Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA), commonly known as female pattern hair loss, is a prevalent condition affecting women of all ages post-puberty, with its occurrence increasing as women age. This condition is characterized by a noticeable thinning of hair across the central scalp, while typically preserving the frontal hairline. The psychological impact of FAGA can be substantial, often leading to anxiety and depression. Therefore, a timely and accurate Androgenetic Alopecia Female Diagnosis is crucial to halt disease progression and mitigate its emotional toll.
The primary mechanism behind FAGA is believed to be linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly the influence of androgens. However, the precise role of androgens remains unclear, as only about one-third of women diagnosed with FAGA exhibit abnormal androgen levels. It’s important to note that certain endocrine disorders associated with hyperandrogenism, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, adrenal hyperplasia, and in rare cases, ovarian and adrenal tumors, can coexist with and exacerbate FAGA. Recognizing these potential underlying conditions is a key aspect of androgenetic alopecia female diagnosis.
Typically, the androgenetic alopecia female diagnosis process begins with a clinical evaluation. A thorough physical examination, combined with blood tests, can help identify additional signs indicative of hyperandrogenism. Dermatoscopy, or trichoscopy, a non-invasive hair and scalp examination technique, often reveals characteristic hair miniaturization, a hallmark of FAGA. In situations where the clinical picture is ambiguous, or when differentiating FAGA from scarring alopecias or alopecia areata is necessary, a scalp biopsy may be performed to provide a definitive androgenetic alopecia female diagnosis.
FAGA is recognized as a slowly progressive condition. The primary goals of treatment are to arrest its progression and to stimulate hair regrowth to achieve a cosmetically acceptable outcome for the patient. The cornerstone treatments for FAGA include topical minoxidil and oral anti-androgens. This review aims to offer an updated perspective on FAGA, emphasizing the importance of accurate androgenetic alopecia female diagnosis and providing a practical guide for the effective management of this common yet often underrecognized hair disorder, especially when distinguishing it from cicatricial alopecias with similar hair loss patterns.
