Female Pattern Hair Loss: Current Treatment Concepts
July 2007
in “
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)
”
TLDR Female pattern hair loss, common in women, can be treated with oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil, but these are more effective at preventing further loss than regrowing hair. Other helpful methods include counseling, cosmetic camouflage, and hair transplantation. Treatment must continue for effects to last and it may take up to 2 years to see results.
Female pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in women, and its prevalence increases with age. It can cause psychological distress and impaired social functioning. The diagnosis can usually be made clinically, and treatment options include oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil. While these treatments can regrow some hair, they are more effective at stopping further hair loss than stimulating regrowth. Nonpharmacological treatments such as counseling, cosmetic camouflage, and hair transplantation can also be helpful. Female pattern hair loss is similar to male androgenetic alopecia, and it is believed to be an androgen-dependent condition in most cases. Treatment needs to be continued to maintain the effect, and it may take up to 24 months to see a response. Monitoring the treatment's effect through clinical photography or severity scales is recommended.
