Is My Thinning Crown Due to Female Pattern Hair Loss?'

Name: Sneha

Question: hi, in 2011 I had a hair fall problem. It got controlled after 3-4 months. since then I have no hair fall problem no thinning of hair but hair loss on mainly the crown which is not growing at the amount which it should. my partings are wider. is it androgenetic alopecia, as I researched, or is it something different?


Answer: Hi, Sneha. We would need to run through a proper consultation with you - in person or online - before providing you with a confirmed diagnosis of your hair loss condition. However, what you describe here does sound symptomatic of Female Pattern Hair Loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.

This occurs in women with an inherited sensitivity to a testosterone by-product known as dihydrotestosterone, or - more commonly - DHT. Once this genetic condition becomes active, any time following puberty, the DHT binds to the susceptible hair follicles. These are the ones located around the top of the scalp in the region from crown to hairline and temple areas.

It is a permanent hair loss condition which gets progressively worse over time, without intervention. In addition to a drop in volume and increased shedding, women most often notice signs, as you have done, such as their parting getting wider and their scalp becoming more visible on top. These are totally normal signs of hair loss from androgenic alopecia.

The fact that you had issues with temporary hair loss a few years ago may be related. Sometimes an episode of increased hair fall that lasts a few months, indicates something called Telogen Effluvium. This is often triggered by stress - physical or emotional - and in genetically predisposed individuals, can exacterbate exisiting cases of pattern hair loss or bring about its premature onset.

Either way, the important thing is to deal with your present situation. There are clinically-proven women's hair loss treatments which can be used in courses tailored to your precise needs and medical profile. These generally comprise a key topical medication paired with supplementary hair growth supporting products.

The first step, before you make any decisions about how to proceed, however, is to have a professional hairloss consultation to establish the precise condition you are dealing with and to identify any exacerbating factors. For instance, if you regularly wear your hair in a style that is tightly fixed at your crown - such as a high ponytail, bun or plait - this could be causing breakage or Traction Alopecia.

Both can present in addition to Female Pattern Hair Loss, as well as on their own, and could account for thinning hair at your crown. The fact you are experiencing a widening of your parting in addition to the hairloss at your crown does still suggest a genetic element, but it is important to clarify if there are any other issues contributing to the problem. Once this has been done, a hair specialist can tailor a suitable course of treatment based on their findings.