Diagnosis and Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

The presentation discusses female pattern hair loss, emphasizing its diagnosis and treatment strategies. It highlights that this condition can emerge in two life stages: post-puberty and later during perimenopause. Key diagnostic features include patterns of hair density loss, particularly the frontal accentuation pattern. The speaker notes that miniaturization of hair follicles is a primary factor in this type of hair loss, which is generally classified as non-scarring despite the potential for follicular loss over time. Various treatment options are outlined, including minoxidil, which may have androgenic effects. Comparisons between oral and topical forms of minoxidil are discussed, along with dosage considerations and potential side effects. Other treatments mentioned include spironolactone, bicalutamide, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride, while also addressing their implications for women of childbearing potential. Adjunct therapies such as low-level laser therapy, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are explored for their efficacy in enhancing hair growth. The speaker concludes by urging a more proactive approach in treating female pattern hair loss to prevent irreversible follicular damage, advocating for a combination of treatments to optimize outcomes.