Clinical Characteristics of Female Patterned Hair Loss in Patients Attending Hair Clinic in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To study the clinical features and associated factors of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in premenopausal and menopausal women patients. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of FPHL patients visited hair clinic, Siriraj Hospital from June 2012 to May 2015. Demographic data, family history and history of hair loss were evaluated. Factors associated with FPHL were analysed. Results: There were 267 patients (180 premenopausal women and 87 menopausal women) in this study. The mean age of onset of patients was 35.5±12 years (premenopausal FPHL) and 60.5±7 years (menopausal FPHL). Positive family history of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) was 48.3%, mainly in first-degree relatives. The data showed an increased incidence of FPHL with advancing age. The most common presentation is Ludwig grade I. The study showed that patients also have dyslipidemia (16.9%), hypertension (16.5%), diabetes mellitus (10.9%), hypothyroidism (4.9%), anemia (3.7%), and hyperthyroidism (2.9%). In multivariate analysis, significant associations were found between low ferritin level <70 µg/L and premenopausal FPHL (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.26-15.14, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Maternal family history of AGA seems to have a greater influence on premenopausal FPHL. Low serum ferritin levels <70 µ/L were significantly associated with FPHL in premenopausal women.