Quick answer: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common type of hair loss in women. It's the female form of androgenetic alopecia: follicles on the top of the head gradually shrink, so the part widens and hair thins while the front hairline usually stays put. It becomes more common after menopause and is linked to hormones and genetics. Topical minoxidil has the strongest evidence, and among natural options, pumpkin seed oil applied to the scalp has been tested head-to-head against minoxidil in women.
What female pattern hair loss looks like
- A widening part, often the first thing women notice
- Thinning on the crown and top of the head, with more scalp showing in bright light
- A smaller ponytail than a few years ago
- Finer, shorter hairs along the part
- A front hairline that usually stays intact, unlike the receding hairline typical in men
Dermatologists grade FPHL with the Ludwig scale, first published in 1977, in three stages: mild thinning on the crown (I), noticeable thinning and a wider part (II), and extensive thinning across the top (III) (Ludwig 1977).
How common is it?
Far more common than most women realise. Female hair loss affects more than 50% of postmenopausal women, and up to 40% of healthy women show some frontal or top-of-head thinning, often starting during the reproductive years (Leavitt 2025). In an Australian community study, thinning along the mid-front of the scalp affected 57% of women aged 80 and over (Gan 2005).
What causes female pattern hair loss?
- Genetics. FPHL runs in families, from either side.
- Androgens and DHT. Women make testosterone too, and the enzyme 5α-reductase converts some of it into DHT, which shrinks sensitive follicles over time. Read more in DHT, Explained.
- Menopause. As estrogen falls, the balance shifts toward androgens, which is one reason thinning often speeds up after menopause.
- PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome raises androgen levels. In one study of 146 women with PCOS, 42.5% had androgenetic alopecia (Abusailik 2021).
- Contributing factors. Low iron, low vitamin D, inflammation and oxidative stress can all make thinning worse (Leavitt 2025).
Is it female pattern hair loss or something else?
| Type | What it looks like | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Female pattern hair loss | Gradual thinning on top, widening part, hairline intact | Genetics, androgens, menopause, PCOS |
| Telogen effluvium | Sudden shedding all over, often 2 to 3 months after a trigger | Childbirth, illness, stress, crash dieting, low iron |
| Alopecia areata | Smooth, round bald patches | Autoimmune; see a dermatologist |
| Traction alopecia | Thinning at the edges where hair is pulled | Tight ponytails, braids, extensions |
If shedding is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor. Blood tests for iron, thyroid and hormones can rule out other causes.
Treatment options for female pattern hair loss
| Option | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Topical minoxidil | The best-studied option for women: a Cochrane review of 47 trials found it effective, with no difference between 2% and 5% (van Zuuren 2016) |
| Pumpkin seed oil (topical) | Compared with minoxidil 5% foam in 60 women over 3 months; both improved hair, and pumpkin seed oil increased regrowing hairs (Ibrahim 2021) |
| Saw palmetto | In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial where half the participants were women, menopausal women gained hair count and density versus placebo (Ablon 2026) |
| Finasteride | No more effective than placebo in women in the Cochrane review, and not used in women who are or may become pregnant |
| Spironolactone and other anti-androgens | Prescribed off-label by doctors, especially with PCOS |
For more on natural options, read natural DHT blockers for women.
A routine for thinning hair
- Photograph your part in the same spot and light so you can compare over time.
- Check the basics with your doctor: iron, vitamin D and thyroid.
- Apply a scalp treatment daily along the part and crown, and massage for about a minute.
- Go easy on tension: looser ponytails and fewer tight styles.
DHT Defense Hair Oil combines pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto, the two natural DHT blockers studied in women, with rosemary and bhringraj in a light grapeseed base that won't weigh hair down. Apply along the part and crown. Made in Toronto. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
What does female pattern hair loss look like?
A widening part and thinning on the top of the head, with the front hairline usually intact. Many women first notice a smaller ponytail.
Can female pattern hair loss grow back?
Follicles that are thinning but still active can often thicken again with treatment. Starting early gives the best results.
Is female pattern hair loss caused by DHT?
DHT is a key factor in genetically sensitive follicles, alongside hormonal shifts such as menopause and conditions such as PCOS.
What is the best natural treatment for female pattern hair loss?
Topical pumpkin seed oil has been compared directly with minoxidil 5% in women, and saw palmetto has placebo-controlled data in menopausal women.
Does biotin help female hair loss?
Only if you're deficient, which is uncommon. High-dose biotin can also interfere with some blood tests, so tell your doctor if you take it.
Related reading
- Natural DHT blockers for women
- Androgenetic alopecia (AGA): causes and treatment
- Pumpkin seed oil for hair loss
References
- Ludwig E. Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex. Br J Dermatol. 1977. PMID 921894
- Leavitt A, et al. Addressing the root causes of female hair loss and non-pharmaceutical interventions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025. PMID 40627570
- Gan DC, Sinclair RD. Prevalence of male and female pattern hair loss in Maryborough. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2005. PMID 16382660
- Abusailik MA, et al. Cutaneous manifestation of polycystic ovary syndrome. Dermatol Reports. 2021. PMID 34659671
- van Zuuren EJ, et al. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016. PMID 27225981
- Ibrahim IM, et al. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: a randomized comparative trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021. PMID 33544448
- Ablon G. The safety and efficacy of a novel saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract for promoting hair growth in adults with self-perceived thinning hair: 180-day results. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026. PMID 41652806