Interventions for female pattern hair loss
May 2016
in “The Cochrane library”
TLDR Topical minoxidil helps treat female pattern hair loss, but more research needed for other treatments.
The study concluded that, despite some studies having a high risk of bias, there is moderate to low quality evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil in treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL). No significant difference was found between the effects of 2% and 5% minoxidil. The study found finasteride to be no more effective than a placebo, with this conclusion being based on low quality evidence. There were mixed results from studies evaluating laser devices, although some improvement in total hair count from baseline was noted. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for other commonly used treatments such as spironolactone, different dosages of finasteride, dutasteride, cyproterone acetate, and laser-based therapy.
View this study on europepmc.org →
Cited in this study
research Interventions for female pattern hair loss
Minoxidil effectively treats female pattern hair loss.
research Female pattern alopecia and telogen effuvium: figuring out diffuse alopecia
The article explains how to tell apart and treat two common causes of hair loss in women.
research Interventions for hirsutism (excluding laser and photoepilation therapy alone)
Some medicines can reduce excessive hair growth in women, but more research is needed to compare treatments and consider side effects.
research Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women
The nutritional supplement improved hair density and reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss.
research Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.
Rosemary oil and minoxidil 2% both effectively increase hair count in people with androgenetic alopecia, but rosemary oil causes less scalp itching.
research Therapeutic efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma and polydeoxyribonucleotide on female pattern hair loss
PRP injections may improve hair thickness and density in female hair loss patients.
research The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources
Red light therapy is safe and effectively increases hair growth in women with hair loss.
research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update
Effective treatments for male pattern baldness include oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, while topical minoxidil is best for female pattern baldness.
research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study
Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.
research Low‐level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss
Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.
research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device–Controlled Multicenter Trial
Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.
research Effect of hairpieces on perceived quality of life in female pattern hair loss patients: Questionnaire based study
Hairpieces improve quality of life for women with hair loss.
research Guidelines for management of androgenetic alopecia based on BASP classification-the Asian consensus committee guideline
Use 5% minoxidil or oral finasteride for mild-to-moderate hair loss, combine with hair transplant for severe cases.
research Female pattern alopecia: current perspectives
Female pattern hair loss is caused by multiple factors and while treatments like topical minoxidil, hormone therapy, and low-level light therapy can help, none can fully cure it.
research Increased androgen receptor messenger RNA in frontal-parietal hair follicles of women with androgenetic alopecia
Women with hair loss have more androgen receptors in certain hair follicles.
research Mesotherapy using dutasteride-containing preparation in treatment of female pattern hair loss: photographic, morphometric and ultrustructural evaluation
Dutasteride-containing mesotherapy effectively treats female hair loss, improving density and thickness with minimal side effects.
research Effects of topical application of growth factors followed by microneedle therapy in women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot study
Growth factors and microneedle therapy increase hair density in women with hair loss.
research Hair: What is New in Diagnosis and Management?
Female pattern hair loss diagnosed by scalp appearance, treated with combined therapies and targeted approaches.
research A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: A pilot study
research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.
research Therapeutic effects of minoxidil high extra combination therapy in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
research Treatment of female pattern hair loss.
Topical minoxidil effectively treats Female Pattern Hair Loss in women of all ages and hormone levels, but evidence for antiandrogens is limited.
research Clinical severity does not reliably predict quality of life in women with alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or androgenic alopecia
How bad a woman's hair loss is doesn't always match how it affects her happiness and daily life.
research A randomized, single-blind trial of 5% minoxidil foam once daily versus 2% minoxidil solution twice daily in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women
5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.
research Hair loss in women: medical and cosmetic approaches to increase scalp hair fullness
Female pattern hair loss can be treated with medications, surgery, and cosmetic products, considering its psychological impact.
research Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men
Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.
research Melatonin in der topischen Behandlung der androgenetischen Alopezie
Topical melatonin is a safe treatment that may reduce hair loss in people with androgenetic alopecia.
research Treatment of female pattern hair loss with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide
Flutamide improves female hair loss when other treatments fail, but may cause liver toxicity.
research Role of genetics and sex steroid hormones in male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss: An update of what we now know
Genetics and hormones play a role in male and female hair loss, but more research is needed to fully understand it.
research THERAPEUTIC HOTLINE: Genetic variations in the androgen receptor gene and finasteride response in women with androgenetic alopecia mediated by epigenetics
Women with greater androgen sensitivity respond better to finasteride for hair loss.
research S1 guideline for diagnostic evaluation in androgenetic alopecia in men, women and adolescents
Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.
research Iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, and control groups
Iron deficiency common in women, not always linked to hair loss; more research needed.
research Quality of Life in Australian Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss~!2010-04-19~!2010-07-06~!2010-08-06~!
Australian women with female pattern hair loss have a poorer quality of life, and starting treatment doesn't immediately improve it.
research Systematic approach to hair loss in women
A systematic approach is crucial for managing hair loss in women.
research Study of the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia
Korean red ginseng can significantly increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia.
research Evaluation of androgen receptor gene as a candidate gene in female androgenetic alopecia
AR gene not major factor in female hair loss; different from male hair loss.
research Interventions for androgenic alopecia in women
Review finds no permanent solution for female hair loss.
research Hair Loss in Women
Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.
research Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Adenosine lotion improves hair growth and thickness in women with hair loss.
research Understanding and Management of Female Pattern Alopecia
The conclusion is that the best approach for treating Female Pattern Hair Loss is a combination of different treatments.
research Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss
Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
research Female Pattern Hair Loss
Over 50% of women over 50 experience hair loss, with minoxidil being the only proven effective treatment.
research Human hair follicles contain two forms of ATP‐ sensitive potassium channels, only one of which is sensitive to minoxidil
One minoxidil-sensitive potassium channel exists in human hair follicles.
research Topical fulvestrant solution has no effect on male and postmenopausal female androgenetic alopecia: results from two randomized, proof-of-concept studies
Fulvestrant solution doesn't help hair loss in men and postmenopausal women.
research Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil and topical alfatradiol in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women
Minoxidil works better for female hair loss than alfatradiol, both safe.
research Characteristic features of Japanese women's hair with aging and with progressing hair loss
Japanese women typically start experiencing hair loss after 40, with reduced hair density and thickness being the main factors.
research Female pattern hair loss: current treatment concepts.
Minoxidil 2% and 5% are common treatments for female pattern hair loss, with other options including anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and hair transplantation.
research Reversal of androgenetic alopecia by topical ketoconzole: Relevance of anti-androgenic activity
Ketoconazole lotion can improve hair regrowth for some people with androgenetic alopecia.
research Effect of finasteride 5 mg (Proscar) on acne and alopecia in female patients with normal serum levels of free testosterone
Finasteride improves acne and hair loss in women with normal testosterone.
research A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 1% topical minoxidil solution in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Japanese women.
1% topical minoxidil solution significantly improved hair growth in Japanese women with androgenetic alopecia, with no major side effects.
research Follicular miniaturization in female pattern hair loss: clinicopathological correlations
Hair loss severity relates to increased miniaturization in female pattern hair loss.
research Nourkrin®: Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss
Nourkrin® significantly increased hair growth and was well-tolerated by people with hair loss.
research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough
Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.
research A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia
Niacin derivatives may increase hair fullness in women with hair loss.
research Androgenetic alopecia and current methods of treatment.
research Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogens
Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.
research Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.
research Burden of Hair Loss: Stress and the Underestimated Psychosocial Impact of Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss causes stress and affects mental health; treatment and support needed.
research The reliability of horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies in the diagnosis of chronic diffuse telogen hair loss in women
Horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies are more reliable for diagnosing hair loss in women when three samples are taken instead of one.
research Women who present with female pattern hair loss tend to underestimate the severity of their hair loss
Women with female pattern hair loss often underestimate how severe it is.
research A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.
research Topical Estrogen Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Menopausal Females
Topical estrogen helps hair growth in menopausal women with no major side effects.
research Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.
research Decreased Serum Ferritin is Associated With Alopecia in Women
Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.
research Hair Regrowth and Increased Hair Tensile Strength Using the HairMax LaserComb for Low-Level Laser Therapy
The HairMax LaserComb made hair grow more and get stronger for people with hair loss.
research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women
Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.
research Treatment of hyperandrogenic alopecia in women
Flutamide may slightly improve hair loss in women, but finasteride does not work.
research Androgenetic alopecia: pathogenesis and potential for therapy
Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.
research Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia
AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
research Female pattern hair loss
FPHL is a common, age-related, genetic hair loss with unclear causes and limited treatment options.
research Effects of minoxidil 2% vs. cyproterone acetate treatment on female androgenetic alopecia: a controlled, 12-month randomized trial
Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.
research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-α-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Natural 5AR inhibitors effectively improve mild to moderate hair loss in men.
research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Plant extracts effectively reduce hair loss and increase growth, offering a safe alternative treatment.
research Female pattern hair loss
Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.
research Polymorphisms of the Androgen Receptor Gene and the Estrogen Receptor β Gene Are Associated with Androgen Levels in Women1
Certain genetic variations in the AR and ERβ genes can affect androgen levels in women.
research The psychology of hair loss and its implications for patient care
Hair loss can significantly affect a person's self-esteem and body image, especially in young people, those who value their looks highly, and women.
research Efficacy and Tolerability of Hairgain® in Individuals with Hair Loss: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Hairgain® significantly increased hair growth and was well-tolerated by individuals with hair loss.
research Development of a health-related quality of life questionnaire for women with androgenetic alopecia
WAA-QOL measures impact of hair loss on women's well-being.
research Lack of efficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.
research Current understanding of androgenetic alopecia. Part I: etiopathogenesis.
research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women
Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.
research A hair growth questionnaire for use in the evaluation of therapeutic effects in men
The questionnaire effectively measures men's perceived hair growth and can distinguish between different treatments and dosages.
research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.
research Topical finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Preliminary evaluations after a 16-month therapy course
Topical finasteride helps regrow hair and reduce balding without side effects.
research Guidelines of care for androgenetic alopecia
Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.
research Classification scale for male and female androgenetic alopecia.
Scale created to measure hair loss in men and women; MK-386 reduces acne; Niaspan treats dyslipidemia; minoxidil increases heart rate.
research Improvement in the inflammatory aspect of androgenetic alopecia. A pilot study with an antimicrobial lotion
Antimicrobial lotion reduces inflammation and increases hair density in hair loss patients.
research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female
2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.
research USE OF TOPICAL MINOXIDIL THERAPY FOR ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA IN WOMEN
Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.
research TREATMENT OF FEMALE ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA WITH MINOXIDIL 2%
Minoxidil 2% effectively treats female hair loss, promoting growth and density.
research Topical minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.
research Psychological characteristics of women with androgenetic alopecia: a controlled study
Women with AGA often face anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem; psychological support is important.
research Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth I. Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: Effect of Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.
research The effect of cyproterone acetate on hair roots and hair shaft diameter in androgenetic alopecia in females
Cyproterone acetate effectively treats female hair loss by increasing healthy hair and decreasing unhealthy hair, but doesn't change hair thickness.
research Safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia
Minoxidil helps hair growth and prevents hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It's safe and effective.
research Androgenetic alopecia: Treatment results with topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.
research Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion
Tretinoin may help hair growth and works better when combined with minoxidil.
![[Local therapy of androgenetic alopecia with 17 alpha-estradiol. A controlled, randomized double-blind study (author’s transl)].](/images/research/d46b6ef2-0dd1-452c-b46c-144276fed3ff/small/5976.jpg)
research [Local therapy of androgenetic alopecia with 17 alpha-estradiol. A controlled, randomized double-blind study (author’s transl)].
Hair lotions with 17 alpha-estradiol can reduce hair loss but won't regrow new hair.
research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex
Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.