The Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss with Long-Acting Platelet-Rich Plasma

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), also known as Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), is a common type of hair loss that affects up to 40% of women. The cause of FPHL is complex and can be influenced by genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While it was previously believed that androgens were responsible for FPHL, recent reports suggest that factors other than androgens may contribute to the condition. Inflammation has been found to play a role in FPHL, which may explain why some women do not respond to hormonal therapy but do respond to treatments that target inflammation, such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP therapy involves using a patient's own growth factors to promote hair growth. The growth factors are concentrated in a solution called PRP, which is then injected into areas of thinning hair. Long-Acting PRP (LA-PRP) is a type of PRP that releases growth factors slowly over a longer period of time. In the author's experience, LA-PRP has been effective in reducing shedding, thickening hair shaft diameter, and promoting new hair growth in over 500 patients. Combined therapy with minoxidil and LA-PRP has also been beneficial for some patients. Further research into PRP therapy for FPHL is encouraged.