Korean J Dermatol.  1998 Oct;36(5):827-835.

Clinical Study on 25 Cases of Female Pattern Baldness Before the Age of 25 .

• Lee IS
• Ihm CW

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (patterned baldness) occurs in both sexes showing different clinical features respectively. In men the hait thinning develops at about 20 years of age with a receding anterior hair line. In women it develops at about 30 years of age but the anterior hair liae is kept intact. Recently we have noticed female pattern baldness in young adult females in their early twenties.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory features of female patients with early onset patterned alopecia and to assess their therapeutic results. METHOD: Twenty-five cases of female pattern baldness who sought medical treatment for hair thinning before the age of 25 were examined for their clinical, laboratorial and treatment results.
RESULTS
1. 22.2 years was the average age at which the first medical care was sought and their onset of noticeable hair thinning was on average 18.3 years of age. 2. Aceording to Ludwigs classification, there were 76%(19 cases) with type I alopecia and 24%(6 cases) wit type II. Type III was not found. 3. A family history of patterned alopecia was seen in 56% of the first degree relatives. 4. Associated diseases were as follows: Seborrheic dermatitis(11 cases), hirsutism(9 cases), acne vulgaris(5 cases), menstrual irregularity(5 cases) and one case of each of polycystic ovarian disease, diabetes melitus and pulmonary tuberculosis. 5. Mild to moderate hirsutism was seen in 9(36%) cases in various anatomical locations. The most frequent location was in the linea alba area (6 cases), which was followed by the extremities and upper lip. 6. Serum iron and femtin levels were lower than the normal range in 10 cases(40%) and in 15 cases(60%) respectively, though hemoglobin levels were all normal. 7. Serum total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels were increased in 52.1% and 52% patients respectively, compared to the normal range in Korean women. 8. In 12 cases who could be followed up for longer than 3 months, 11(90.2%) cases showed improvement in their hair volume on medical treatment.
CONCLUSION
Androgenetic alopecia of females can occur as early as in males. The clinical and laboratory findings of such early female androgenetic alopecia were reported in 25 cases alongside their therapeutic outcomes.

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris
Alopecia*
Classification
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Extremities
Female*
Hair
Hirsutism
Humans
Iron
Lip
Male
Ovarian Diseases
Reference Values
Testosterone
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
Young Adult
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Iron
Testosterone