Hair loss in women: medical and cosmetic approaches to increase scalp hair fullness

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women. In men it produces male pattern hair loss with bitemporal recession and vertex baldness. In women it produces female pattern hair loss (FPHL) with diffuse alopecia over the mid-frontal scalp. FPHL occurs as a result of nonuniform hair follicle miniaturization within follicular units. Diffuse alopecia is produced by a reduction in the number of terminal fibres per follicular unit. Baldness occurs only when all hairs within the follicular units are miniaturized and is a relatively late event in women. The concepts of follicular units and primary and secondary hair follicles within follicular units are well established in comparative mammalian studies, particularly in sheep. However, discovery of these structures in the human scalp hair and investigation of the changes in follicular unit anatomy during the development of androgenetic alopecia have provided a clearer understanding of the early stages of androgenetic alopecia and how the male and female patterns of hair loss are related. FPHL is the most common cause of alopecia in women and approximately one-third of adult caucasian women experience hair loss. The impact of FPHL is predominantly psychological. While men anticipate age-related hair loss, hair loss in women is usually unexpected and unwelcome at any age. Treatment options to arrest hair loss progression and stimulate partial hair regrowth for FPHL include the androgen receptor antagonists spironolactone and cyproterone acetate, the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride and the androgen-independent hair growth stimulator minoxidil. These treatments appear to work best when initiated early. Hair transplantation should be considered in advanced FPHL that is resistant to medical treatments. Hair transplantation requires well-preserved hair growth over the occipital donor area. The psychological impact of FPHL may also be reduced by cosmetic products that improve the appearance of the hair. These agents work to minimize hair fibre breakage, improve hair volume or conceal visible bald scalp.

Emerging concepts about prenatal genesis, aberrant metabolism and treatment paradigms in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Women tend to show generalized thinning whereas men lose hair in distinct regions. Treatment includes reduction of DHT synthesis, androgen receptor blockade and attenuation of steroidogenesis [112]. Both hirsutism and androgenic alopecia would benefit from the development of specific inhibitors to 17,20 lyase, a key step in androgen biosynthesis beyond cortisol production, that would provide relief for androgen overproduction without diminishing endogenous glucocorticoid release [113].…”

Alopecia With Endocrine Therapies in Patients With Cancer

“…In addition, a scalp examination must be conducted to rule out other common causes of alopecia, such as female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, or inflammatory (scarring) alopecia. Patients whose alopecia cannot be attributed to any of the above conditions should be treated with supportive care, including the use of minoxidil 2%-5% twice daily applied on the scalp, biotin (vitamin B 7 ) 2.5 mg a day orally, and camouflaging sprays/powders and wigs or extensions [51,52]. In severe cases of alopecia, spironolactone orally or hair transplants may be considered after consultation with a trichologist.…”

Alopecias

“…It is generally understood to be effective in managing some cases of female pattern hair loss. This effect is exerted through its competitive inhibition of the androgen receptor [ 24 ].…”