Medical Therapy for Female Pattern Hair Loss

May 2014 in “ Hair transplant forum international ”

Nicole E. Rogers

minoxidil spironolactone finasteride dutasteride birth control pills low level light therapy ketoconazole shampoo platelet-rich plasma Rogaine LLLT PRP

TLDR Rogaine can stop hair loss in women, and other treatments like certain pills, light therapy, and special shampoos may also work.

In 2014, Dr. Nicole E. Rogers discussed various treatments for Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). She stated that while only topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) was FDA-approved for hair loss in women, other off-label options such as oral spironolactone, oral finasteride, certain birth control pills, and low level light therapy (LLLT) could also be effective. Minoxidil was found to halt hair loss in 60% of cases with the 2% solution, and better results were seen with the 5% solution. Spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride, certain birth control pills, and ketoconazole shampoo were also potential treatments. The document also mentioned the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in hair loss treatment, but noted that scientific studies were few. The author emphasized patient satisfaction and understanding of the treatment process as crucial for successful outcomes.

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Research cited in this study

14 / 14 results

research Quality of Life in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss and the Impact of Topical Minoxidil Treatment

22 citations, May 2013 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine”

Minoxidil improves quality of life for women with hair loss.

research Male Breast Cancer and 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Finasteride and Dutasteride

32 citations, May 2013 in “The Journal of Urology”

Using finasteride or dutasteride does not increase the risk of male breast cancer.

research Association of Androgenetic Alopecia With Mortality From Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Disease

49 citations, May 2013 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Hair loss links to higher death risk from diabetes and heart disease; not a direct cause, but a marker for risk factors.

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

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

100 citations, June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research Finasteride Treatment of Hair Loss in Women

29 citations, May 2010 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride may help some women with hair loss, but better options exist.

research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

108 citations, March 2006 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.

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 Topical Estrogen Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Menopausal Females

22 citations, March 2004 in “Dermatology”

Topical estrogen helps hair growth in menopausal women with no major side effects.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations, March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

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 Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women

72 citations, January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Finasteride can slow hair loss and promote growth in postmenopausal women.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations, November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.

research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia

92 citations, January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.

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44 citations, January 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations, March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

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research Diagnosis of Hair Loss: Clinical Features of Common Causes

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