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Female pattern hair loss

Author/s: 
Eric McMullen, Ammar Saed Aldien, Cathryn Sibbald, Jeffrey Donovan
Date Added: 
March 4, 2026
Journal/Publication: 
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Publication Date: 
March 2, 2026
URL: 
Female pattern hair loss
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.1503/cmaj.251058
PMID (1): 
41771564
Keywords 
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair Loss
Alopecia
MeSH 
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair Loss
Adult
Humans
Females
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
Alopecia

RPR Commentary

A concise summary of the key features and management of female pattern hair loss. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common, nonscarring hair-loss disorder. Prevalence of FPHL increases with age; 12% of females will have symptoms by age 29 years, 25% by age 50 years, and 41% to 50% at age 70 years and older. Risk factors include genetics and endocrinological diseases (e.g., polycystic ovarian syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian or adrenal tumours).