Although it affects mostly men, women also suffer from what we call androgenetic alopecia. This is the form of alopecia that consists of the progressive loss of hair density. In men, there is a receding frontal hairline, followed by hair loss in the parietal area and the vertex, up to the junction of both areas, which gives rise to the typical male pattern baldness. In women, on the other hand, there is diffuse hair loss in the parietal regions, rarely reaching total baldness.
The rate of involvement of androgenic alopecia in women is estimated to be in 40% of women over 70 years of age. A lower percentage than in men, which in Caucasian populations rises to 80% in those over 70 years of age and stands at 30% at 30 years of age.
A continuous process
Hair loss in androgenic alopecia is a continuous process once it develops, and progresses slowly. There may be cycles of activity, with cycles of rapid hair loss, mixed with others in which it is hardly noticeable. The end result is a progressive reduction in hair density and the patient’s vision of the scalp that was previously covered by hair.
The problem should be tackled the sooner the better, since the more viable follicles are left on the scalp, the more we can maintain with the treatments and the better the result will be.
Types of treatment
Regarding treatments for androgenetic alopecia, we can find three types: topical treatments, in the form of lotions or foams, with moderate efficacy. We can also find oral treatments such as finasteride, with very good responses and few side effects, although its use for women is not yet approved, although they have other oral treatment options, which are approved, such as cyproterone acetate and spironolactone. Finally, surgery has very good results, although this technique must be combined with the other treatments already described.