Genetic hair loss in women: sides and back can be affected too

Genetic hair loss in women is different than men

Genetic hair loss in women classically affects the middle and top of the scalp. The scalp becomes more 'see through'. Hairs become miniaturized. Patterns such as the Ludwig pattern of hair loss and the Olsen pattern of hair loss are often talked about. 

What about the sides and back?

What tends to be forgotten is that the sides and back of the scalp are often affected in many women with genetic hair loss. We call this 'diffuse loss.' Diffuse thinning of hair occurs in many women. The area at the sides of the scalp just above the ear becomes noticeably thinning and the back of the scalp becomes thinner as well. 

Treatments for diffuse androgenetic thinning in women include minoxidil, spironolactone, low level laser therapy, and platelet rich plasma. Women with diffuse thinning are not candidates for hair transplant surgery because the hairs at the back of the scalp are thinning  - the donor area is poor.