Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsCausesTreatment in WomenTreatment in Men
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Causes
Treatment in Women
Treatment in Men
Androgenic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is a hair loss condition that affects both men and women. While this can be a frustrating condition, it’s essential to know that there are many available treatments that can help slow down or even reverse hair loss.
This article will review male- and female-pattern baldness signs, what causes it, and potential treatment options.
It’s important to note that while the terms “male-pattern baldness” and “female-pattern baldness” are commonly used, hair loss can affect individuals of any sex or gender identity. Also, when research is cited, the sex and gender terms within that reference will be used.
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Signs of Male- or Female-Pattern Baldness
Females: Hair Thinning at Crown
The pattern of hair loss in women is different from male-pattern baldness. This condition may cause hair thinning at the crown of the head, typically occurring in women in their 40s or 50s. Women may also experience hair thinning all over the scalp without their hairline receding.
Males: Receding Hairline and Thinning Crown
In men, this condition is commonly referred to asmale-pattern baldness, in which hair loss occurs in a distinct pattern that begins above the temples and causes a receding hairline to form the shape of the letter “M.” Hair thinning at the crown may eventually lead to partial or complete baldness.
What Causes Pattern Baldness?
However, it is known that androgenetic alopecia is linked to hormones called androgens, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens are important for normal male sexual development during the gestational period (in the womb) and puberty. However, they also help regulate other functions such as hair growth and sex drive. Too much DHT can cause hair loss.
DHT is widely believed to be the leading cause of male- and female-pattern baldness, as it can cause hair follicles to shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs.
It’s important to note that a combination of factors can cause hair loss, and each person’s experience is unique. Other genetic and environmental factors that may also contribute to male- and female-pattern baldness include the following:
Genetics
Male- and female-pattern baldness is often inherited from one or both parents.Although researchers believe that multiple genes may contribute to androgenetic alopecia, scientific studies have confirmed that variations in a single gene, known as AR, play a role.
Hormonal Changes or Imbalances
Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during menopause, can contribute to hair loss.Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that causes cysts on the ovaries and symptoms, including hair loss.
Aging
As people age, hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss.
Medications
Certain medications, such as those used for cancer,arthritis, anddepression, can cause hair loss. Hair loss typically reverses after discontinuing most medications.
Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can cause hair loss, including:
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and protein can cause hair loss.
Hairstyling Practices
Certain hairstyles, such as pulling hair tightly into braids or ponytails, can cause hair loss over time.
Stress
Other Causes
Other causes of baldness may include:
Pattern Baldness in Women Treatment
To find the best hair loss treatment for you, you must talk to yourdermatologist(medical specialist of disorders of the skin, hair, and nails) or other healthcare provider.
A dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss, which may not be immediately apparent, and may help determine the proper course of treatment. After diagnosing the cause of hair loss, a dermatologist can create a personalized treatment plan that is effective and safe.
Hair regrowth takes time, and your dermatologist can help monitor youHere are some possible tr progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.Treatments for female pattern baldness include the following:
Can Herbs Help With Hair Growth?
It is advised to avoid using minoxidil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Minoxidil should also be used with caution in people with chronic kidney disease.
Aldactone (spironolactone) may also be used, it is an oral medication that blocks androgen hormones and can help prevent further hair loss.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair lossinvolves taking a sample of the patient’s own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma back into the scalp to promote hair growth. PRP is believed to stimulate the hair follicles and increase blood supply to the scalp, resulting in thicker and healthier hair.
At-Home Hair Regrowth Lasers
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss involves using a specialized device that emits low-power lasers to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow to the scalp. LLLT is believed to help reduce inflammation, increase cell metabolism, and ultimately lead to thicker, healthier hair.
15 Expert-Backed Strategies for Hair Regrowth
Microneedling
Pattern Baldness in Men Treatment
Many of the hair loss treatments mentioned above are also used for male-pattern baldness. However, treatment options may differ based on gender, with some medications approved exclusively for men.
Some treatments used for female-pattern baldness are not recommended for men with male-pattern baldness, and vice versa. This is because the underlying hormonal imbalances and hair loss patterns differ between men and women.
In addition to the treatment listed above, other common treatments for male-pattern baldness include:
Finasteride
Proscar or Propecia (finasteride) is an oral medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone that can cause hair loss.
Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil is commonly used to treat both male- and female-pattern baldness. However, the recommended strengths and application methods may differ among the genders based on the severity of hair loss and other individual factors. Minoxidil solution is available in 2% and 5% solutions.
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantationrefers to a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are harvested from a donor site and then transplanted into areas on the scalp where hair is either thinning or has been lost.
Although hair transplants are successfully performed on both men and women, this procedure is significantly more common in men.
Summary
The exact causes of female- and male-pattern baldness are not yet fully understood, but genetics, hormones, and aging are thought to play a role. While there is no cure for either type of hair loss, there are several treatments available to slow down or even reverse the process, including medications, hair transplantation, and low-level laser therapy.
It’s vital for individuals experiencing hair loss to consult with a primary care provider or dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment based on their individual needs and circumstances.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health.Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps.Medline Plus.Androgenetic alopecia.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.Łukasik, A., Kozicka, K., Kłosowicz, A., Jaworek, A., & Wojas-Pelc, A. (2021).The role of family history and its influence on the onset time in female pattern hair loss. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 38(5), 815-818. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.100745Zouboulis CC, Blume-Peytavi U, Kosmadaki M, et al.Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause.Climacteric. 2022;25(5):434-442.Drugs and hair loss.Dermatologic Clinics. 2013;31(1):67-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.002National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.Leung AKC, Hon KL, Leong KF, Barankin B, Lam JM.Tinea capitis: an updated review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. 14(1):58-68. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624American Academy of Dermatology.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can Covid-19 cause hair loss?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss diagnosis and treatment.Medline Plus.Minoxidil topical.Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(1):276-278.Paichitrojjana A, Paichitrojjana A. platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: a review. DDDT. 2022;16:635-645. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S356858Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR.Low-level laser (Light) therapy (Lllt) for treatment of hair loss: LLLT FOR HAIR REGROWTH.Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170Gupta, AK, Quinlan, EM, Venkataraman, M, Bamimore, MA.Microneedling for hair loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022; 21: 108– 117. doi:10.1111/jocd.14525Aditya K. Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Greg Williams. (2022)Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia.Journal of Dermatological Treatment33:7, pages 2946-2962. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2022.2109567Iorizzo M, Vincenzi C, Voudouris S, Piraccini BM, Tosti A.Finasteride treatment of female pattern hair loss. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(3):298–302. doi:10.1001/archderm.142.3.298American Academy of Dermatology.A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.2022 practice census results.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health.Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps.Medline Plus.Androgenetic alopecia.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.Łukasik, A., Kozicka, K., Kłosowicz, A., Jaworek, A., & Wojas-Pelc, A. (2021).The role of family history and its influence on the onset time in female pattern hair loss. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 38(5), 815-818. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.100745Zouboulis CC, Blume-Peytavi U, Kosmadaki M, et al.Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause.Climacteric. 2022;25(5):434-442.Drugs and hair loss.Dermatologic Clinics. 2013;31(1):67-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.002National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.Leung AKC, Hon KL, Leong KF, Barankin B, Lam JM.Tinea capitis: an updated review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. 14(1):58-68. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624American Academy of Dermatology.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can Covid-19 cause hair loss?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss diagnosis and treatment.Medline Plus.Minoxidil topical.Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(1):276-278.Paichitrojjana A, Paichitrojjana A. platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: a review. DDDT. 2022;16:635-645. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S356858Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR.Low-level laser (Light) therapy (Lllt) for treatment of hair loss: LLLT FOR HAIR REGROWTH.Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170Gupta, AK, Quinlan, EM, Venkataraman, M, Bamimore, MA.Microneedling for hair loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022; 21: 108– 117. doi:10.1111/jocd.14525Aditya K. Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Greg Williams. (2022)Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia.Journal of Dermatological Treatment33:7, pages 2946-2962. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2022.2109567Iorizzo M, Vincenzi C, Voudouris S, Piraccini BM, Tosti A.Finasteride treatment of female pattern hair loss. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(3):298–302. doi:10.1001/archderm.142.3.298American Academy of Dermatology.A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.2022 practice census results.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health.Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps.Medline Plus.Androgenetic alopecia.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.Łukasik, A., Kozicka, K., Kłosowicz, A., Jaworek, A., & Wojas-Pelc, A. (2021).The role of family history and its influence on the onset time in female pattern hair loss. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 38(5), 815-818. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.100745Zouboulis CC, Blume-Peytavi U, Kosmadaki M, et al.Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause.Climacteric. 2022;25(5):434-442.Drugs and hair loss.Dermatologic Clinics. 2013;31(1):67-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.002National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.Leung AKC, Hon KL, Leong KF, Barankin B, Lam JM.Tinea capitis: an updated review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. 14(1):58-68. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624American Academy of Dermatology.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can Covid-19 cause hair loss?American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss diagnosis and treatment.Medline Plus.Minoxidil topical.Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(1):276-278.Paichitrojjana A, Paichitrojjana A. platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: a review. DDDT. 2022;16:635-645. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S356858Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR.Low-level laser (Light) therapy (Lllt) for treatment of hair loss: LLLT FOR HAIR REGROWTH.Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170Gupta, AK, Quinlan, EM, Venkataraman, M, Bamimore, MA.Microneedling for hair loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022; 21: 108– 117. doi:10.1111/jocd.14525Aditya K. Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Greg Williams. (2022)Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia.Journal of Dermatological Treatment33:7, pages 2946-2962. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2022.2109567Iorizzo M, Vincenzi C, Voudouris S, Piraccini BM, Tosti A.Finasteride treatment of female pattern hair loss. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(3):298–302. doi:10.1001/archderm.142.3.298American Academy of Dermatology.A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.2022 practice census results.
Harvard Health.Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps.
Medline Plus.Androgenetic alopecia.
Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.
Łukasik, A., Kozicka, K., Kłosowicz, A., Jaworek, A., & Wojas-Pelc, A. (2021).The role of family history and its influence on the onset time in female pattern hair loss. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 38(5), 815-818. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.100745
Zouboulis CC, Blume-Peytavi U, Kosmadaki M, et al.Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause.Climacteric. 2022;25(5):434-442.
Drugs and hair loss.Dermatologic Clinics. 2013;31(1):67-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.002
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.
Leung AKC, Hon KL, Leong KF, Barankin B, Lam JM.Tinea capitis: an updated review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery. 14(1):58-68. DOI: 10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624
American Academy of Dermatology.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Can Covid-19 cause hair loss?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a dermatologist?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss diagnosis and treatment.
Medline Plus.Minoxidil topical.
Burns LJ, De Souza B, Flynn E, Hagigeorges D, Senna MM.Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2020;83(1):276-278.
Paichitrojjana A, Paichitrojjana A. platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: a review. DDDT. 2022;16:635-645. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S356858
Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR.Low-level laser (Light) therapy (Lllt) for treatment of hair loss: LLLT FOR HAIR REGROWTH.Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170
Gupta, AK, Quinlan, EM, Venkataraman, M, Bamimore, MA.Microneedling for hair loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022; 21: 108– 117. doi:10.1111/jocd.14525
Aditya K. Gupta, Mesbah Talukder, Greg Williams. (2022)Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia.Journal of Dermatological Treatment33:7, pages 2946-2962. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2022.2109567
Iorizzo M, Vincenzi C, Voudouris S, Piraccini BM, Tosti A.Finasteride treatment of female pattern hair loss. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(3):298–302. doi:10.1001/archderm.142.3.298
American Academy of Dermatology.A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.2022 practice census results.
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