Female pattern alopecia in Adult
See also in: Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Hereditary transmission of female pattern alopecia is consistent with a polygenic trait where many genes are involved in its susceptibility. In susceptible hair follicles, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds to the androgen receptor, and the hormone-receptor complex activates the genes responsible for the gradual transformation of large terminal follicles to miniaturized follicles. The role of DHT is less certain in pattern hair loss in women compared with men. In contrast to men, female pattern alopecia usually presents as diffuse thinning of the central portion of the scalp with sparing of the frontal hairline. Hair thinning is often more evident in the frontal portion of the scalp, resulting in "Christmas tree pattern" thinning of the central part.
Codes
ICD10CM:L64.9 – Androgenic alopecia, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
1108009 – Female pattern alopecia
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Telogen effluvium – anemia, thyroid disease, medications, major illness
- Anagen effluvium – toxins, chemotherapy
- Alopecia areata
- Traumatic – traction alopecia or trichotillomania
- Alopecia associated with virilizing disorders
- Scarring alopecia secondary to infections, radiation, autoimmune disease, burns, infiltrating metastatic carcinomas, or sarcoidosis
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia
- Triangular alopecia
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Last Reviewed:07/19/2017
Last Updated:01/11/2022
Last Updated:01/11/2022
Female pattern alopecia in Adult
See also in: Hair and Scalp