Female Pattern Hair Loss and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: More Than Just Hirsutism

    Victoria S. Jiang, Spencer D. Hawkins, Amy McMichael
    TLDR Female pattern hair loss is common in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
    The document discusses the relationship between female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among reproductive-aged women and is associated with various endocrinological, gynecologic, cutaneous, and metabolic issues. FPHL is more common in patients with PCOS, although the exact pathophysiology remains unclear as it can occur even with normal androgen levels. Treatment for FPHL in PCOS patients is challenging because common hair growth treatments can worsen hirsutism. Emerging treatments like low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma show promise but lack extensive efficacy data. Multidisciplinary care is essential, and reproductive goals should be considered before starting treatment.
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      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  56 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Losing Hair on Dutasteride? You might have LPP

      in Research/Science  96 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      Men with hair loss might have lichen planopilaris (LPP), which can mimic androgenetic alopecia, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. Proper diagnosis, including biopsies, is crucial to distinguish between androgenetic alopecia and conditions like LPP.
      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  830 upvotes 7 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community My scalp punch biopsy results🤔?

      in Female  9 upvotes 2 years ago
      Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  443 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

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