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Patterned androgenic alopecia in women
1Department of Dermatology, Slade Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Frontal hair line recession in women, often linked to virilization, is common, especially post-menopause. This study suggests "male-pattern" hair loss alone is a weak indicator of hormonal imbalance in women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Trichology
Background:
- Frontal and frontoparietal hair line recession in women has historically been associated with pathologic virilization.
- The prevalence and significance of this hair loss pattern in the general female population require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of frontal and frontoparietal hair line recession in a population of normal women.
- To evaluate the association between patterned hair loss and signs of virilization in women.
Main Methods:
- A clinical survey was conducted involving 564 normal women.
- Data on hair line recession and signs of virilization were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Frontal and frontoparietal recessions were observed in 13% of premenopausal women and 37% of postmenopausal women.
- Patterned hair loss is more common in women than previously described, particularly after menopause.
Conclusions:
- Patterned hair loss in women, especially after menopause, is relatively common.
- In the absence of other virilization signs, "male-pattern" hair loss is a poor indicator of significant androgen metabolism abnormalities.