Medical Term for Female Hair Loss
The correct medical term for hair loss in women is "Female Pattern Hair Loss" (FPHL), which should be used instead of the outdated terms "alopecia" or "androgenetic alopecia." 1
Terminology Recommendation
The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society expert task force explicitly recommends abandoning previous terminology in favor of FPHL 1. This change reflects important clinical understanding:
Why the change matters: The term "androgenetic alopecia" incorrectly implies androgen-dependence, but most women with this pattern of hair loss have normal androgen levels and no other signs of hyperandrogenism 1
Clinical reality: Women with FPHL can have completely normal circulating androgen concentrations, and the condition has even been documented in women with total absence of androgens or lacking androgen receptors 1
Clinical Characteristics of FPHL
FPHL presents with two typical patterns 1:
- Centrifugal expansion in the mid-scalp (most common)
- Frontal accentuation or "Christmas tree pattern"
- The frontal hairline is generally well preserved (distinguishing feature)
The condition involves progressive reduction of hair density in the central scalp area, with replacement of terminal (thick, long) hairs by miniaturized vellus (fine, short) hairs 2.
Important Clinical Pitfall
Do not assume FPHL indicates hyperandrogenism when androgen levels are normal 1. While assessment for androgen excess is mandatory in all FPHL patients, isolated FPHL with normal androgens should not be considered a sign of hormonal abnormality 1.
This terminology distinction is critical for accurate diagnosis, appropriate workup, and avoiding unnecessary assumptions about hormonal status in affected women.