The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Spironolactone in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of five studies involving 413 patients found that oral spironolactone may be an effective treatment for female pattern hair loss, with an overall improvement rate of 56.60%. The improvement rate was higher (65.80%) when spironolactone was combined with other therapies, compared to when it was used alone (43.21%). However, the efficacy varied among individuals. The overall rate of adverse events was low (3.69%), with scalp itching or increased dandruff being the most common side effect. Despite these promising results, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosing and treatment duration, as well as the safety and tolerability of spironolactone for this condition.