An epidemiological study of female pattern hair loss at a referral centre in South India

Abstract

Back ground and Objectives: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also called as female androgenic alopecia, is one of the common causes of diffuse hair loss in women, characterized by widened midline part in the front of the scalp. Studies have revealed that the FPHL is more common than previously thought and the data pertaining to the same is lacking in the Indian literature. The present study was undertaken to extrapolate the demographic variables and clinical features of FPHL and also to identify the possible risk factors associated with it. Material and Methods: This study was done at our department, involving 100 women with FPHL. Details pertaining to the epidemiological variables, clinical features and risk factors were noted. Results: In the present study, FPHL accounted for 15.3% of diffuse hair loss in women. Mean age and mean age of onset of FPHL among the 100 women was 31.26±9.85 years and 28.03±8.05 years respectively. A positive family history was noted in 51% of patients, with no difference in the age of onset of FPHL in patients with family history positive or negative. The most common pattern of hair loss was diffuse hair loss over the vertex (72%), followed by Oslen pattern (16%) and Hamilton pattern (12%). The age specific frequency of the hair loss severity showed an increase in the severity of FPHL with advancing age (Sinclair grade V was 5.8% in third decade to 74.5% in fifth decade). Polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism and BMI more than 25 (overweight and obesity) were noted in 23%, 15% and 65% of patients respectively. Conclusion: FPHL is certainly more frequent than perceived among Indian women. Diffuse hair loss over vertex is the most common pattern of hair loss encountered and the family history does not influence the age of onset and the severity. Overweight and obesity is one of the important risk factor for FPHL. Keywords: Female pattern hair loss, Family history, Obesity