Management of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

Female androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of alopecia in women, affects up to 50% of women in their lifetime. Medical treatments, when used correctly, can halt the progression of AGA and reverse hair miniaturization in most cases. Telogen effluvium may be associated with AGA and could potentially trigger or worsen the condition. Comparing hair density in different regions of the scalp can help differentiate mild AGA from diffuse hair loss. In premenopausal women, AGA could indicate hyperandrogenism, which may also present with acne, hirsutism, irregular menses, and signs of virilisation. It's crucial to rule out disorders linked to excessive androgen production, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, in patients with severe AGA, as it was found in about 30% of women with AGA.