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Can Female Pattern Baldness Be Reversed?

    Quick Summary: Can Female Pattern Baldness Be Reversed?

    • What is female pattern baldness? Female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common type of hair loss in women that leads to gradual thinning of hair primarily on the top and crown of the scalp.
    • What causes female pattern baldness? This condition is mainly influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, and ageing. Women are at higher risk post-menopause of hair loss due to a drop in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen hormones play a large role in hair growth and retention.
    • Is it possible to reverse female pattern baldness? Although complete reversal is uncommon, certain treatments can significantly slow or stabilise hair loss, as well as encourage some regrowth.
    • What treatment options are available? Effective treatments include minoxidil, anti-androgen medications like spironolactone, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and, for more advanced cases, hair transplant surgery as a permanent solution. 

    Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common form of hair loss affecting millions of women worldwide. It is characterised by a gradual thinning of hair, primarily on the top and crown of the scalp, without receding hairlines or bald spots, which are more common in men. The condition is influenced by hormonal changes, genetics, and aging, leading to the shrinking of hair follicles. As these follicles become smaller, hair grows back thinner and weaker until it eventually stops growing back altogether. Though more common in older women after menopause due to declining oestrogen levels, this condition can affect women at any stage in life​. An even more comprehensive guide on female pattern baldness can be found here.

    What Causes Female Pattern Baldness?

    Female pattern baldness can affect women of any age. However, this condition is more likely to develop in those who are post-menopausal, or those with a family history of hair loss. The increased risk after menopause is believed to be due to a drop in oestrogen levels, which play an important role in hair retention and growth. Higher oestrogen levels have been associated with healthier, thicker hair, so when these levels decline, as they do after menopause, women may experience more pronounced hair thinning and loss1​.

    Genetics is another significant factor. Although the precise genetic causes of female pattern baldness are still unclear, the aromatase gene, which converts hormones like testosterone into oestrogen in hair follicles, may contribute to this condition2. Hormones themselves, particularly androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are also involved. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. While women generally have lower levels of testosterone and DHT than men, they still produce enough to impact hair growth, especially after menopause.

    Can Female Pattern Baldness Be Reversed?

    If you’re experiencing hair loss due to female pattern baldness, regrowth without any form of treatment is generally unlikely. However, with the right interventions, hair loss can often be slowed or stabilised, and in some cases, hair regrowth may occur. Complete reversal of female pattern baldness is rare, yet early and consistent treatment can yield substantial improvements. Here’s a closer look at some potential options for managing and treating female pattern baldness:

    Medications

    Minoxidil

    Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for female pattern baldness. This topical medication is approved for both men and women and works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, thereby promoting hair regrowth. Studies show that with consistent use, Minoxidil can help stimulate new hair growth, although results may take several months to become noticeable3.

    However, it’s important to note that while Minoxidil can slow down hair loss and help some women regrow hair, it doesn’t fully reverse the condition. It works only as long as the treatment is maintained. Once stopped, hair loss resumes within months4.

    It’s important to remember that this medication is not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant5

    Spironolactone

    Another medication, spironolactone, is sometimes prescribed to block the effects of androgens (male hormones that can contribute to hair loss), particularly in women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)6.

    Lifestyle and Nutritional Changes

    In some cases, hair loss can be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of iron or vitamin D. It can also be worsened by stress. Addressing these underlying causes can support overall hair health. A diet rich in vitamins like biotin, iron, and zinc, as well as maintaining a healthy scalp, can help improve hair strength and slow further loss​.

    Using oils to nourish the scalp can be a gentle yet effective approach for managing hair loss. Oils like rosemary, peppermint, and jojoba have been shown to improve scalp health by increasing blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients, and maintaining moisture balance. Massaging these oils into the scalp not only hydrates the skin, but may also stimulate hair follicles, potentially slowing hair thinning. Additionally, oils provide a natural barrier against environmental stressors, which can further protect the hair and scalp from damage. Read our comprehensive blog about the best oils for hair growth here.

    Non-Surgical Treatments

    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment aimed at reducing hair loss by directing low-level laser light onto the scalp. A commonly used form is red light therapy, which targets areas affected by hair thinning. Though the exact mechanism behind LLLT’s effectiveness in promoting hair growth is not fully understood, studies have demonstrated that it can be a safe and effective option for managing genetic hair loss. LLLT is thought to support cellular activity in hair follicles, potentially slowing hair loss and encouraging some regrowth7.

    Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Therapy

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves injecting the patient’s own concentrated platelets into the scalp, is gaining traction as a treatment to enhance hair follicle function and growth8

    Hair Transplant Surgery for female patterned baldness

    If you have developed significant female pattern baldness and have smooth bald patches with no hair growth, you will likely benefit from a hair transplant. This involves taking hair from the back of your head and placing it in areas of hair loss and significant thinning. At The Treatment Rooms, London we are able to provide this as an unshaven procedure meaning you have little signs that you have undergone surgery. Whether looking for a permanent solution or simple advice on how to encourage hair regrowth, our friendly surgeons are always happy to help. 

    Conclusion

    While female pattern baldness may not be completely reversible, several treatments can significantly slow or reduce hair loss, and some may even stimulate regrowth. 

    Early intervention with medications like minoxidil, anti-androgen therapies such as spironolactone, or non-surgical options like low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may help preserve and even improve hair density. 

    For those experiencing advanced hair loss, surgical hair transplantation offers a viable and permanent solution. Combining these treatments with a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and ensuring proper nutrition can optimise hair health and improve overall outcomes. Addressing female pattern baldness is a process that benefits greatly from personalised, consistent care under a medical professional’s guidance. To discover more, feel free to get in touch. 

    References

    1. Redler, S., Messenger, A.G. and Betz, R.C. (2017) ‘Genetics and other factors in the aetiology of female pattern hair loss’, Experimental Dermatology, 26(6), pp. 510–517. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28453904/. 
    2. Yip, L. et al. (2009) ‘Gene-wide association study between the aromatase gene (cyp19a1) and female pattern hair loss’, British Journal of Dermatology, 161(2), pp. 289–294. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19438456/. 
    3. Lucky, A.W. et al. (2004) ‘A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 50(4), pp. 541–553. Available at:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15034503/. 
    4. Olsen, E.A. and Weiner, M.S. (1987) ‘Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: Effects of discontinuation of treatment’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 17(1), pp. 97–101. Available at:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962287701790. 
    5. Hair Loss (no date) NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/ 
    6. Burns, L.J. et al. (2020) ‘Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 83(1), pp. 276–278. Available at:https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(20)30510-7/fulltext. 
    7. Su, L.-H., Chen, L.-S. and Chen, H.-H. (2013) ‘Factors associated with female pattern hair loss and its prevalence in Taiwanese women: A community-based survey’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 69(2). Available at:https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(12)01057-2/abstract. 
    8. Yuan, J. et al. (2024) ‘Effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma in treating female hair loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials’, Skin Research and Technology, 30(8). Available at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/srt.70004?msockid=11d6348429aa68ec0b2b262828f0691b.

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