Changes in the levels of the androgens can affect hair production. For example, after the hormonal changes of menopause , many women find that the hair on the head is thinned, while facial hair is coarser. Although new hair is not produced, the follicle remains alive, suggesting the possibility of new hair growth. The hair thins all over the head, but the frontal hairline is maintained. There may be a moderate loss of hair on the crown, but this rarely progresses to total or near baldness as it may in men.
Hair loss can occur in women for reasons other than female-pattern baldness.
Female pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of hair loss and by ruling out other causes of hair loss. A skin biopsy or other procedures may be used to diagnose medical disorders that cause loss of hair . Hair analysis is not accurate for diagnosing nutritional or similar causes of hair loss. It may reveal substances such as arsenic or lead, however. The hair loss of female-pattern baldness is permanent.