Management of Hair Loss in Women

January 1993 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

D. H. Rushton

androgen-dependent alopecia chronic telogen effluvium antiandrogens cyproterone acetate flutamide spironolactone serum ferritin minoxidil pulse electrical field therapy androgenic alopecia telogen effluvium Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Cyproterone →

a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This paper reviews diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia and chronic telogen effluvium in women, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management issues, but reports no new clinical findings; the authors suggest effective treatments are available.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 1993 document addresses the management of hair loss in women, particularly focusing on diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia and chronic telogen effluvium. It highlights the effectiveness of antiandrogens like cyproterone acetate, flutamide, and spironolactone for androgen-dependent alopecia, and the necessity of maintaining serum ferritin levels above 40 ng/mL for hair regrowth. For chronic telogen effluvium, it emphasizes the association between low serum ferritin levels and increased hair shedding, noting that levels should be raised to at least 70 ng/mL to restore normal hair proportions and reduce shedding. The document also mentions the benefits of 5% minoxidil solution and the potential of pulse electrical field therapy, while cautioning against high dosages of multivitamins that can interfere with iron absorption. It underscores the complexity of hair loss management and the importance of understanding the optimal conditions for hair growth.

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Research cited in this study

15 / 15 results

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations , April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

This study found that treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol increased hair density in women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia, particularly when serum ferritin levels were above 40 μg/l.

research Natural Progression of Male Pattern Baldness in Young Men

71 citations , May 1991 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Young men with male pattern baldness lose hair density over time without treatment.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that combining flutamide with an oral contraceptive significantly reduced hirsutism, acne, and seborrhea in patients after seven months, without significant side effects.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research Reduced Serum Vitamin B12 Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Therapy in Women With Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia

20 citations , July 1990 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

In this study, women treated for androgen-dependent alopecia with CPA EE2 therapy experienced significant decreases in serum vitamin B12, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels after six months.

research The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field with Specific Reference to Hair Electrotrichogenesis

27 citations , July 1990 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this controlled study, a pulsed electrical field treatment significantly increased hair regrowth compared to baseline and the control group over 36 weeks, without observed side effects.

research Spironolactone Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Systemic Antiandrogen Therapy for Hirsute Women

78 citations , May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that in hirsute women, daily treatment with 200 mg spironolactone significantly reduced hair growth rates and hair shaft diameters on various body areas over 12 months.

research Quantitative Assessment of 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness

31 citations , January 1989 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

In this study, topical 2% minoxidil did not significantly improve hair density measures in men with male pattern baldness, although there was no deterioration, suggesting a potential prophylactic effect.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

130 citations , May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that frontal and frontoparietal hair recession is relatively common in women, especially after menopause, and may not indicate abnormal androgen metabolism absent other virilization signs.

research Hormonal Diagnosis of So-Called Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

25 citations , April 1988 in “Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde”

In this study, treatment targeting the estrogen-androgen balance reduced hair loss in 74 out of 104 women with androgenetic alopecia, with some experiencing hair regrowth.

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Male Pattern Baldness

138 citations , August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.

Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women