Factors Associated with the Severity of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has a severe impact on physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study is to assess factors associated with the severity of FPHL.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 289 patients with FPHL (150 classified as F1 and 139 as F2/3). Thirteen elements were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry method. Univariate and multivariate analyses, propensity score-matched (PSM) models, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were applied to investigate associations and dose-response relationships between elements, vitamins, hormones and FPHL severity

RESULTS

Patients in the F2/3 group were significantly older than those in the F1 group (P = 0.002) and had a longer duration of FPHL (P < 0.001). Serum levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), vitamin B9, and testosterone were significantly lower in the F2/3 group compared with the F1 group (all P < 0.05). However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only disease duration remained an independent risk factor for increased FPHL severity (OR 1.123 [95% CI 1.047-1.211]; P = 0.02), which was further validated by RCS analysis. After PSM adjustment of demographic characteristics, no significant differences in elements, vitamins, or hormone levels were observed between the F1 and F2/3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Elements, vitamins, and hormones were not predictors of FPHL after adjustment for demographic characteristics. Larger prospective cohort studies are warranted to validate these findings.

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