Updated Review of Treatment for Female Androgenetic Alopecia

Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a common cause of hair loss in women, with minoxidil being the only FDA-approved treatment. A review of 18 publications from 2016 to 2021, including 12 clinical trials, identified other potential treatments such as finasteride and dutasteride (5-α-reductase inhibitors), antiandrogens, ketoconazole, low-density power lasers (LLLT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling, mesotherapy, and carboxytherapy. However, these are not officially authorized by health agencies. The review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and a suitable therapeutic plan. The therapeutic effect of 5% minoxidil applied once a day is equal to 2% applied twice a day. Oral minoxidil at a dose of 1 mg/day has shown efficacy and safety for patients who do not respond to topical minoxidil. The addition of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and antiandrogens improves the therapeutic results of minoxidil. Other treatments like LLLT, PRP, and microneedling have shown varying degrees of success. The document concludes that more research is needed for more effective treatments.