Efficacy of Oral Spironolactone in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Female Patients: A Case Series of 11 Patients

January 2025

Lina Benchekroun, Hanane Darghal, Lina Mouline, Nadia Ismaïli, Laïla Benzekri, Mariame Meziane

spironolactone androgenetic alopecia minoxidil platelet-rich plasma Sinclair scale mastodynia menstrual irregularities AGA PRP

TLDR Spironolactone is generally safe and effective for treating hair loss in women, but may be less effective in severe cases.

This case series evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral spironolactone in 11 female patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Patients were treated with spironolactone at doses of 25 mg to 100 mg daily, in combination with other therapies such as topical minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma, over 6 to 36 months. Ten patients showed a one-grade improvement on the Sinclair scale, while one patient with severe AGA did not respond, likely due to poor adherence. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with mild side effects like mastodynia and menstrual irregularities. The study suggests spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for female AGA, though its efficacy may be limited in advanced cases, and further large-scale trials are needed.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review

March 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Spironolactone can effectively treat hair loss with manageable side effects.

research Efficacy and Safety Profile of Oral Spironolactone Use for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

8 citations , August 2021 in “PubMed”

Oral spironolactone effectively treats hair loss with mild, manageable side effects.

research Spironolactone for Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Spironolactone effectively treats female pattern hair loss with few side effects.

research Innovative Use of Spironolactone as an Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , May 2010 in “PubMed”

Spironolactone helps regrow hair in women with hair loss.

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6 / 475 results

community Comparison of options: topical vs medication

in Female 1 upvotes 1 year ago

A user diagnosed with AGA is seeking advice on hair loss treatments, comparing topical Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and Finasteride to oral medications and natural methods like dermastamping, PRP, and LED light. They are concerned about side effects and effectiveness, especially given their existing fatigue.

community Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Guidance and Unmet Needs

in Research/Science 3 upvotes 2 years ago

The review discusses traditional hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, and newer options like Low-Level Laser Therapy, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia. It highlights the need for more high-quality trials to assess these treatments' effectiveness and standardized protocols for emerging therapies.

community Reddit’s amatorial meta analysis of 17 already avaliable hair loss prevention treatments that were found to be effective in clinical studies but are not FDA approved for MPB. PROS and CONS. (2022 Guide if Finasteride and Minoxidil are not working/ give you sides/are not enough) 77 studies linked!

in Research/Science 586 upvotes 3 years ago

The post and conversation are about hair loss treatments that have been found to be effective in studies. There are 19 different treatments mentioned, including oral minoxidil, oral dutasteride, topical finasteride, RU58841, and more. The best treatment for an individual depends on factors like availability, cost, side effects, and personal preferences.

community 30-Min Dermatology Visit – Best Questions to Ask About Balding? ( 175$ )

in Treatment 6 upvotes 7 months ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and other options like PRP and ketoconazole. It highlights the importance of asking specific questions during a dermatology visit to determine the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatments.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 258 upvotes 3 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 3 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

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