Female androgenetic alopecia: an update

Androgenetic alopecia is an androgen dependent disorder occurring in genetically susceptible individuals. The pattern of hair loss in women differs from that of classical male pattern alopecia, being more diffuse and with retention of the frontal hair line in most cases. Characteristic histopathological changes occur but biopsy is rarely helpful in diagnosis. Although research has shown subtle alterations in the androgen status of women with androgenetic alopecia, most patients presenting with this disorder are normal endocrinologically. Anti-androgen therapy will result in some improvement in up to 50% of patients after 6 to 12 months of therapy, but in practice will usually only decrease the rate of hair loss and not result in new hair growth.