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Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Referral Center
Tee Wei Siah1, Llorenia Muir-Green1, Jerry Shapiro2
1Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E8, Canada.
Background:
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a very common problem in women. The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, and there are no universally agreed treatment guidelines.
Objective:
We explored the clinical features, relevant medical and family history, laboratory evaluation, and treatment and compliance of 210 patients with FPHL.
Methods:
Data analysis from case notes was performed on 210 patients with a diagnosis of FPHL seen from January 2011 to December 2011.
Results:
The youngest individual was 8 years old and the oldest was 86 years old. Nearly, 85% of the patients had a family history of androgenetic alopecia. Hypothyroidism and hypertension are the most common medical problems. Telogen effluvium (TE) is the most common concurrent hair loss condition. Only 38% of the patients were found to have normal Vitamin D level, 71% had ferritin level above 30 μg/L, and 85% had normal zinc level at the first consultation. Fifty-nine percent of the patients failed to attend any follow-up appointments.
Limitations:
One of the limitations of this study is its retrospective nature. Moreover, the severity of FPHL in terms of Ludwig score was not routinely documented in the medical charts.
Conclusion:
History of TE, hypothyroidism and hypertension, and low serum Vitamin D is common in our patients with FPHL.
