Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Spironolactone Versus Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Comparative, Clinical, and Trichoscopic Study

January 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Ghada Fawzy Rezk Hassan, Rasha Elsayed Elsaftawy, Omar Y. Mady, Shereen Farouk Gheida

spironolactone minoxidil female pattern hair loss contact dermatitis scalp irritation vellus hair trichoscopic study Rogaine

TLDR Topical spironolactone and minoxidil both effectively treat female hair loss, but spironolactone has fewer side effects.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical spironolactone (1% gel) versus topical minoxidil (5% gel) in treating female pattern hair loss over 6 months, involving 80 female patients. Both treatments significantly improved hair density, width, and reduced vellus hair, with no significant difference in clinical and trichoscopic outcomes between the groups. However, side effects like contact dermatitis and scalp irritation were more common with minoxidil. Overall, both treatments were effective and well-tolerated, with spironolactone showing fewer side effects. Further studies with larger sample sizes and alternative spironolactone formulations are recommended.

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Research cited in this study

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