A common type of non-scarring hair loss in women, usually causing central scalp thinning with a retained frontal hairline.
Female pattern hair loss is a progressive thinning condition rather than sudden bald patches. Many women notice a widening parting, reduced ponytail volume, or thinning over the crown and mid-scalp. The frontal hairline is often preserved, which helps distinguish it from some other diagnoses. It can occur after puberty and becomes more common with age. Most women do not have obvious androgen excess, but signs such as acne, hirsutism, irregular periods or rapid hairline recession should prompt a broader assessment. Treatment aims to slow progression and improve cosmetic density where possible.
British Association of Dermatologists: Hair loss female pattern (androgenetic alopecia) — https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-female-pattern-androgenetic-alopecia; Starace M et al. Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Diagnosis and Management, Am J Clin Dermatol, 2020 — https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-019-00479-x; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 1, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76111-0
