From the Guidelines
Female androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) is primarily caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors, with iron deficiency being a potential contributing factor.
Causes of Female Androgenetic Alopecia
- Genetic predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in the development of female androgenetic alopecia [no specific study cited, general medical knowledge].
- Hormonal imbalance: Androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), contribute to the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to hair loss [no specific study cited, general medical knowledge].
- Nutritional factors: Iron deficiency has been linked to hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, as it is essential for the growth and maintenance of hair follicles 1.
- Iron deficiency: Low serum ferritin levels have been found in some studies to be associated with female androgenetic alopecia, suggesting that iron deficiency may be a contributing factor 1.
- Other nutritional factors: While other micronutrients, such as zinc and magnesium, may also play a role in hair growth, the evidence is less clear, and iron deficiency is the most well-studied nutritional factor in relation to hair loss 1.
It is essential to note that the evidence for iron deficiency as a cause of female androgenetic alopecia is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand its role 1. However, based on the available evidence, iron deficiency is a potential contributing factor to female androgenetic alopecia, particularly in female patients 1.
From the Research
Causes of Female Androgenetic Alopecia
The causes of female androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, are multifactorial and not yet fully understood. Some of the key factors that contribute to this condition include:
- Genetic factors: Female pattern hair loss is thought to be a genetically determined trait, with a polygenic inheritance pattern 2.
- Hormonal factors: Androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone, play a role in the development of female pattern hair loss, particularly in genetically susceptible women 2.
- Environmental factors: Various environmental factors, such as stress and nutritional deficiencies, may also contribute to the development of female pattern hair loss 3.
- Age: The incidence of female pattern hair loss increases with advancing age 4, 5.
Role of Androgens
The role of androgens in female pattern hair loss is not fully established, and many women with this condition do not have other clinical or biochemical evidence of androgen excess 4. However, androgens are thought to contribute to the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to a decrease in hair density 2.
Other Factors
Other factors that may contribute to female pattern hair loss include:
- Family history: A family history of female pattern hair loss may increase a woman's risk of developing the condition 3.
- Cardiovascular and metabolic disease: Female pattern hair loss may be a marker for an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease 5.
- Stress and nutritional deficiencies: Stress and nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, may contribute to the development of female pattern hair loss 3.