Dr. Antonio Alvi Armani

Female Androgenic Alopecia

There is a common misconception that only men suffer from genetic hair loss.  In actuality, however, almost 40 per cent of all females will experience some degree of female androgenic alopecia (FAGA) as they age.  Like male pattern baldness, FAGA also goes by the name female pattern baldness, because of the common pattern that the hair loss usually follows.

Women with FAGA tend to experience a progressive thinning of the scalp hair only around the crown area.  It is also usually more diffuse and central than male genetic hair loss; and it is often referred to as a ‘widened part’.  Less commonly, women may have a receding hairline similar to that seen in balding men.  It is unlikely that female genetic hair loss will result in total baldness, though it does occur. 

FAGA is caused by similar chemical causes to male pattern baldness.  Both are related to the action of androgens (male hormones).  In fact, many cases of hyperandrogenism (the excessive production of male hormones) that are due to other factors trigger the onset of female genetic hair loss.  Treatment for both types of genetic hair loss may focus on this chemical cause, however, the current leading drug treatment for female hair loss is Rogaine, which does not target the action of androgens.