Female Pattern Baldness

In female pattern baldness, the hair’s growing phase slows down. It also takes longer for new hair to begin growing. Hair follicles shrink, leading the hair that does grow to be thinner and finer. This can result in hair that easily breaks.

People with this condition also tend to shed more hairs than the average person, though complete baldness is less likely.

In male pattern baldness, hair loss starts in the front of the head and recedes to the back until the person goes bald.

But female pattern baldness starts at the part line, sometimes appearing all over the head. Hair at the temples may also recede.

Doctors divide the condition into three types:

Type I is a small amount of thinning that starts around the part.

Type II involves widening of the part and increased thinning around it.

Type III is thinning throughout, with a see-through area at the top of the scalp.

What else causes female pattern baldness?

Female pattern baldness is generally caused by an underlying endocrine condition or a hormone-secreting tumor.
You could consult a healthcare professional if you have other symptoms, such as:

• irregular period
• severe acne
• increase in unwanted hair

These may be a sign that you’re experiencing a different type of hair loss.

Hair care tips

• Eat a balanced diet. Get enough iron from foods, like dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals.
• Limit treatments that can break or damage your hair, such as straightening irons, bleach, and perms. If you do use them, add a heat protective spray or hair-strengthening product to your routine.
• Ask a healthcare professional if any of the medications you take promote hair loss. If so, see if you can switch.
• Limit or quit smoking. It damages hair follicles and can speed up hair loss.
• Wear a hat or carry a parasol when you go outside. Too much sun exposure can damage hair.

The Bottom Line

If you’re noticing hair loss, consider reaching out to a doctor or dermatologist. They’ll be able to figure out what kind of hair loss it is and what could potentially be causing it.

Plus, they’ll be able to recommend and prescribe the best form of treatment. The sooner you receive treatment, the faster you’ll be able to stop the loss — and possibly even regrow some of your hair.