A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

In 2019, a randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and topical minoxidil foam in treating androgenic alopecia in women. The study involved 20 female patients who were treated with both PRP and minoxidil, with a 2-month washout period between the two treatments. The results showed that PRP treatment led to significant increases in hair count and vellus hair density from baseline to week 12. Minoxidil treatment, on the other hand, resulted in significant increases in hair count, vellus hair density, terminal hair density, and cumulative thickness. Quality of life responses improved after PRP treatment, but no improvements were noted after minoxidil. The study concluded that while PRP is effective for hair regrowth in female androgenic alopecia, it may not be as effective as minoxidil. However, PRP did improve quality of life responses more than minoxidil. Future studies were suggested to investigate the timing and frequency of PRP administration and possible enhanced benefit when more than one treatment is used clinically.