Glossary On Female Pattern Baldness

Female pattern baldness, also known as alopecia diffusa, is a common cause of hair loss in women. It is characterized by diffuse loss of hair from the scalp.

The mechanism of female pattern baldness is believed to be very similar to that of male pattern baldness, with the bulk of the damage being done due to hormonal changes in the body. Genetic disposition combined with sensitivity to the male sex hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) are the primary triggers for this condition.

Besides the aforementioned, following can also lead to hair loss in the characteristic FPB pattern:

• Hormonal changes
• Menarche
• Delivery (Child birth)
• Menopause
• Nutritional deficiency
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Crash dieting

How to identify Female Pattern Baldness?

• Hair thinning all over the head - even if there is no visible loss of hair while washing or combing hair
• The frontal hairline is generally maintained
• Moderate loss of hair from the crown
• In rare cases this may progress to total or near baldness
• Facial hair may get coarse in some women (due to the effects of the male hormone)