Anti-Androgen Therapy for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical Review of Current and Emerging Therapies
May 2025
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Oral and topical anti-androgens can help treat female hair loss, but have side effects.
The review discusses the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) with anti-androgen therapies, highlighting that while topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment, oral anti-androgens show some efficacy despite potential side effects. The role of androgens in FPHL is not fully understood, but they are known to contribute to hair loss. Topical anti-androgens may offer fewer systemic adverse effects and can be used alone or with minoxidil. Treatment choice should consider patient-specific factors such as age and signs of hyperandrogenism. The review also explores emerging treatments that are still under investigation or used in other countries.