Condition
Patterned Hair Loss & Thinning
Patterned hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair thinning in both men and women. It is driven by follicular sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and genetic predisposition. Timely clinical intervention is vital because active, miniaturising follicles are far more responsive than follicles that have become dormant or fibrosed.
What is Patterned Hair Loss & Thinning?
In patterned hair loss, hair follicles undergo progressive miniaturisation. Each successive growth (anagen) cycle becomes shorter, producing finer, shorter, and less pigmented hairs until follicles eventually cease producing visible hair. In women, this typically presents as widening of the central parting (Ludwig pattern) or diffuse crown thinning. In men, it presents as bitemporal recession and thinning at the vertex (Norwood pattern).
Common signs and concerns
- Widening of the central parting line (Christmas tree pattern in women)
- Noticeable reduction in hair ponytail volume or scalp visibility through the crown
- Recession of the frontal hairline and thinning around both temples
- Miniaturised, fine, wispy hairs scattered amongst normal-calibre hair shafts
- Increased shedding on pillows, hairbrushes, or shower drains during active phases
- Lack of spontaneous regrowth in areas that previously had robust density
Possible contributing factors
- Genetic sensitivity of scalp hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Family history of androgenetic alopecia on maternal or paternal sides
- Hormonal fluctuations (perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, elevated androgens)
- Vascular insufficiency or micro-inflammation in the perifollicular dermis
- Nutritional deficiencies (ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, B12) compounding miniaturisation
- Chronic emotional, physical, or metabolic stress elevating cortisol
When to seek professional assessment
Consult a doctor as soon as you notice gradual widening of your parting, receding temples, or increased scalp show-through. Regenerative and medical therapies are most effective when hair follicles are still active and miniaturising rather than permanently lost.
How Dr Farzana assesses this concern
Dr Farzana conducts a comprehensive medical scalp consultation: dermoscopic examination of follicle calibre and density, detailed medical and family history, evaluation of previous treatments, and targeted diagnostic blood tests to exclude thyroid, nutritional, or autoimmune drivers before tailoring a multi-modal regenerative plan.
Explore Treatment Options
These are options offered by Dr Farzana that may be discussed for this concern. Which, if any, is appropriate for you is decided only after a private medical assessment.
Suitability and important information
This page is general information only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Suitability for any treatment is confirmed at a private medical consultation, including a review of your history, medication and goals. Risks, alternatives, aftercare and realistic outcomes are discussed openly. Results vary between individuals and no treatment is suitable for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What is androgenetic alopecia?+
Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically influenced pattern of hair thinning caused by follicular sensitivity to DHT, leading to follicle miniaturisation and shorter growth cycles.
Can female pattern hair loss be reversed?+
While complete reversal to teenage density cannot be guaranteed, early intervention with PRP, exosomes, and targeted medical therapy can halt progression, awaken dormant follicles, and significantly improve hair calibre and coverage.
How does Dr Farzana assess hair loss?+
Assessment combines clinical dermoscopy, hair density mapping, medical history review, and blood tests to identify reversible deficiencies before recommending regenerative or medical treatments.
Is PRP or Exosomes better for patterned loss?+
Both offer powerful regenerative signals. PRP utilizes your own autologous platelet growth factors, while ASCE+ HRLV exosomes deliver concentrated stem cell signalling peptides. Dr Farzana discusses suitability during consultation.
Where Dr Farzana practises
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