TLDR Taking cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol for hair loss can lower vitamin B12 levels in women.
In a study from 1990, healthy non-vegetarian women with diffuse androgen-dependent alopecia were treated with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol. After 6 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in serum vitamin B12 levels, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values, while serum folic acid, red-cell folate, and mean cell volume remained unchanged. The patients responded positively to vitamin B12 supplementation. The study suggests that for patients with baseline serum vitamin B12 levels below 350 ng/l, prophylactic cyanocobalamin should be administered alongside the alopecia therapy. The paper also indicates that for treatments longer than 3 months, vitamin B12 status may need to be evaluated, especially with different dosages or when cyproterone acetate is used alone.
43 citations,
July 1984 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Antiandrogen therapy helped increase hair growth in women with hormonal imbalances related to baldness.
6 citations,
March 1982 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” The document says that hair loss in women is often due to androgenic alopecia, similar to male baldness, and that hirsutism is treated with hormonal and cosmetic methods.
66 citations,
October 1977 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Cyproterone acetate reduces hair growth and oil production.
232 citations,
June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.
19 citations,
January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” Ultraviolet rays damage hair, smoking may cause hair loss, and good nutrition is important for hair health, but genetics mainly decide hair thickness.
21 citations,
May 2016 in “The Cochrane library” Topical minoxidil helps treat female pattern hair loss, but more research needed for other treatments.
5 citations,
August 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Iron deficiency might contribute to hair loss in women.
134 citations,
December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
63 citations,
May 2017 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.
