At first, this case appeared to be female pattern hair thinning, also known as androgenetic alopecia. The hair thinning was visible around the recession area, front hairline and mid part line — all common locations associated with female pattern hair thinning.
However, appearance alone can be misleading. Around perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, many women are quickly assumed to have female pattern hair thinning based on age and hair thinning location. In this case, that assumption did not tell the whole story.
Why the Correct Diagnosis Matters
A misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect hair treatment, which may allow the real issue to continue and, in some cases, contribute to further hair loss. Female pattern hair thinning does not cause physical hair shedding, and it does not affect the hair at the back of the head.
If the hair density, texture or growth pattern has changed at the back of the head, this is a sign that female pattern hair thinning is not the only concern. As Absolique Trichologist Brisbane, I often find female pattern hair thinning is a secondary concern rather than the main cause.
What the Microscopic Diagnosis Showed
The clearest clues came through microscopic diagnosis. The terminal hairs at the back of the head were not growing to their genetic hair type, shape or structure. This indicated diffuse hair thinning rather than female pattern hair thinning alone.
Diffuse hair thinning can develop gradually over years and may be influenced by changes in hair cell function, the hair cycle and nutritional sufficiency. When the terminal area weakens, the same weakness can also affect the areas where female pattern hair thinning appears, especially when combined with hormonal changes during menopause and the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Common Contributors to Diffuse Hair Thinning
For women, diffuse hair thinning may be associated with a range of health and life events, including:
- low iron levels
- low vitamin D
- low vitamin B12
- thyroid changes
- birth control or medication changes
- pregnancy and childbirth
- surgery
- stress
- perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause hormonal changes
Why This Case Was Different
In this case, the genetic hairs in the terminal area were not growing as expected. This showed the main concern was diffuse hair thinning, not female pattern hair thinning alone. Female pattern hair thinning was present, but it could be supported indirectly by addressing the underlying diffuse hair thinning first.
This approach allowed for natural hair loss treatment rather than moving straight to common options such as minoxidil, which some people avoid because of concerns about side effects or long-term use.
The Treatment Approach
This women’s hair growth story and images show how much improvement can be achieved when the diagnosis is accurate and the true underlying cause is addressed. Absolique Trichologist Brisbane focuses on natural hair loss treatments that can be performed privately at home, with no expensive in-clinic treatments, no travel time, minimal downtime and options to suit different budgets.
Treatment is based on combination therapy. This includes looking internally at nutritional needs and supplementation guided by individual blood tests, alongside topical hair loss treatment taught through verbal, written and video instructions.
What Is Included in the Hair Health and Scalp Check
The initial appointment is called a Hair Health and Scalp Check. It is designed to provide everything needed in one appointment, reducing the need for extra visits and additional costs.
The appointment is $270 and includes 75 minutes with Absolique Trichologist Brisbane to review your hair and scalp history, health concerns, blood tests and microscopic diagnosis, followed by treatment options. Tracking also begins on the day, giving us a clear reference point for future progress.
Also included:
- a 30-minute follow-up appointment within one month of the initial Hair Health and Scalp Check
- a free phone check-in at the 8-week halfway point of treatment
Because new hair growth usually takes around four months to become visible, the 8-week phone check-in is not about expecting regrowth yet. It is a personal check-in to review expected markers, answer questions, provide reassurance and help you stay on track.
Next Step
Follow the link to learn more about the Hair Health and Scalp Check or choose the option for a free 15-minute phone chat with Absolique Trichologist Brisbane at Absolique Hair Health Clinic. Everything can be booked online.
Please stop buying products and spending precious time and money if you do not understand what you are treating. The right diagnosis matters.