Facts About Hair Loss for Women

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) occurs in women as well as in men. In women, AGA is defined as female pattern hair loss. The patterns of AGA in women are significantly different from the AGA patterns in men. The typical appearance of female pattern hair loss is diffuse thinning of hair over the top of the scalp. The Dr. Ryan Welter Hair Loss Classification for Women illustrated below shows varying degree of female pattern hair loss.

Female pattern hair loss can begin at any age from teen-age through middle age. It is not strongly associated with hereditary pattern unlike that of AGA in men.  Half of the women over age 40 would have some degree of hair loss, and AGA is usually one of the most common causes.  Non-AGA causes of hair loss are more frequent in women than in men. Women more than men are also likely to have temporary hair loss that can be to several factors. Two common causes of temporary hair loss in women are the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and untreated hypothyroidism.

Dr. Ryan Welter Hair Loss Classification for Women

Class 1: Normal amount of hair.
Class 2: Noticeable thinning of hair on the crown with scrutiny.
Class 3: Significant thinning of hair on the crown viewed at a distance of 30 centimeters .

Class 4: Total hair loss on the crown of the head.

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