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

August 2023 in “ Cureus ”

Majed Aleissa

spironolactone female pattern hair loss scalp itching dandruff

TLDR Oral spironolactone may be effective for female pattern hair loss with a low rate of side effects.

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.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review

March 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Spironolactone can effectively treat hair loss with manageable side effects.

research Efficacy and Safety of 5% Minoxidil Alone, Minoxidil Plus Oral Spironolactone, and Minoxidil Plus Microneedling on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Prospective, Single-Center, Parallel-Group, Evaluator-Blinded, Randomized Trial

2 citations, July 2022 in “Frontiers in Medicine”

Combining minoxidil with microneedling or spironolactone is more effective for female hair loss than using minoxidil alone.

research Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia: Efficacy, Side Effects, Compliance, Financial Considerations, and Ethics

17 citations, November 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia work best but can have significant side effects and costs.

research Psychology of Hair Loss Patients and Importance of Counseling

7 citations, October 2021 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Hair loss patients need psychological counseling to cope better.

research Combination Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Adolescent Girls

5 citations, December 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and spironolactone improve hair density and reduce shedding in girls.

research Spironolactone for Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

15 citations, April 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Spironolactone effectively treats female pattern hair loss with few side effects.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Investigating Combination Therapy with Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone

80 citations, December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil and spironolactone combo effectively reduces hair loss and improves hair density in women.

research Demographics of Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss and the Effectiveness of Spironolactone Therapy

26 citations, September 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Spironolactone may effectively treat female hair loss, especially with hyperandrogenism signs.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Quality of Life and Associated Lifestyle Patterns

37 citations, July 2010 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Hair loss affects quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence, but younger patients cope better.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss with a Combination of Spironolactone and Minoxidil

21 citations, January 2007 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Spironolactone and minoxidil together effectively treat female pattern hair loss.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations, March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations, September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

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research Weight Gain and Hair Loss During Anti-TNF Therapy

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Anti-TNF therapy can cause weight gain and hair loss, leading some patients to stop treatment.

research Is Topical Minoxidil Solution Effective on Androgenetic Alopecia in Routine Daily Practice?

14 citations, January 2007 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil solution had low effect, causing 99% to stop using it.