Hereditary hair loss in women - androgenetic alopecia

Find out what it is and what you can do about it

Hereditary hair loss in women is the most common cause of permanent hair loss. Yet, this form is often diagnosed too late.

Many women think hair loss is "just part of it," caused by stress, or will go away on its own. This is understandable, but unfortunately, it's not always true.

Explore exactly what it is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

  • In summary

    • Hereditary hair loss in women is common and treatable
    • The process is progressive, but early intervention makes a difference
    • Minoxidil is the best substantiated treatment
    • Are you unsure? A good diagnosis prevents unnecessary uncertainty and wrong choices.

What is it and what does it look like?

  • What is hereditary hair loss in women?

    Hereditary hair loss in women is medically called androgenetic alopecia.
    It is a condition in which the hair follicles on the scalp are sensitive to androgens (male hormones), even though women have these hormones in much lower amounts than men.

    This sensitivity causes the following to happen:

    • the growth phase of the hair becomes shorter and shorter
    • the hair follicles gradually become smaller
    • the hairs that grow back become thinner and more fragile
    • eventually visible hair thinning occurs

    Important to know:

    • the hair follicles do not disappear, but function less well.

  • What does hereditary hair loss in women look like?

    The pattern of hair loss in women is different from that of men.

    • gradual thinning of the hair, especially on the crown
    • a wider separation
    • less volume in the length
    • the hairline at the front is usually preserved
    • In the beginning, it's often not even more hair that falls out than usual. The problem is mainly that the hair grows back thinner.

Age and importance of early recognition

  • When does it start?

    Hereditary hair loss can start at different ages:

    • sometimes as early as the age of 20
    • more often between 25 and 45 years old
    • sometimes only around menopause

    Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, stopping birth control, or menopause) can make the process more visible, but they are not the cause. They often act as a trigger, making existing hereditary hair loss more apparent.

  • Why is early detection so important?

    Hereditary hair loss is progressive. This means that without treatment, the process continues slowly.

    The sooner intervention takes place:

    • the more hair follicles are still active
    • the better the treatment outcome
    • the greater the chance of retaining volume

    When hair follicles are exposed to hormonal sensitivity for too long, they can eventually become so small that recovery is barely possible.

Minoxidil is the most proven and most widely used treatment for hereditary hair loss in women.

  • How minoxidil can help

    • extending the growth phase of the hair
    • improving blood circulation around the hair follicles and stimulating thicker, stronger hair
    • tackling the consequences of hereditary hair loss

  • Minoxidil - good to know

    • does not restore genetic predisposition, but slows down the process
    • only works as long as it is used
    • effect is usually visible after 3 to 6 months, with further improvement up to about 12 months.
Bekijk hier ons aanbod Minoxidil

Realistic expectations

  • It is important to have realistic expectations:

    • minoxidil is not a miracle cure
    • the goal is stabilization and improvement, not perfect recovery
    • stopping often leads to hair loss again

  • Why not just “try everything”?

    Many women try first:

    • shampoos
    • serums
    • supplements
    • natural remedies

  • These products can improve hair condition, but usually don't affect the hair follicles. This wastes valuable time, while hereditary hair loss can progress unnoticed.
Start direct je behandeling Vind een specialist

This information was written by dermatologist M. van Coevorden for the Hair Guide for Women from 247dermatologist and used with permission.