Female Pattern Hair Loss: Current Treatment Concepts

January 2007 in “ PubMed ”

Quan Dang Dinh, Rodney Sinclair

female pattern hair loss Minoxidil anti-androgens Spironolactone oral contraceptives hair transplantation clinical photography standardized clinical severity scales Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Studysummary This review discusses female pattern hair loss, highlighting that while oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can arrest progression, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and stresses the need for ongoing therapy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

36 / 36 results

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating iron deficiency related to nutritional anemia and hair loss, concluding that routine screening and supplementation for hair loss are not yet supported by sufficient evidence.

research Antiandrogen Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

14 citations , April 2006 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”

This review discusses therapeutic options for androgenetic alopecia, noting that while antiandrogen treatments prevent further hair loss and promote some regrowth, dramatic results are rare.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study found that the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia increases with age among both men and women in Maryborough, Australia, with 57% of women and 73.5% of men aged 80 and over affected.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations , March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that 88% of women with female pattern hair loss who received oral antiandrogens saw no progression or improvement in their condition.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: A Study of 5 Patients Over 7 Years

54 citations , January 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, four women with chronic telogen effluvium experienced fluctuating hair shedding without visible reduction in hair density or follicular miniaturization over at least 7 years.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research The Reliability of Horizontally Sectioned Scalp Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss in Women

137 citations , July 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that triple horizontal scalp biopsies provided a more accurate diagnosis of female pattern hair loss in women than a single horizontal biopsy, especially for those with advanced hair loss.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women

72 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

This study found that oral finasteride, at a dosage of 2.5 mg/day or more, may improve hair growth and appearance in postmenopausal women with pattern hair loss, without adverse effects.

research Hair Transplanting: An Important but Often Forgotten Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations , October 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article explains why modern hair transplant techniques can be effective for women with pattern hair loss, despite this being underrecognized.

research Assessment of Efficacy of Diane-35 in Androgenetic Female Alopecia

12 citations , January 2003 in “PubMed”

This study reported that Diane-35 treatment over 6-9 months reduced hair loss, hair thinning, and seborrhoea in women with androgenetic alopecia.

research Treatment of Hyperandrogenic Alopecia in Women

108 citations , January 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that flutamide at 250 mg daily modestly improved hair thinning in premenopausal women with hyperandrogenic alopecia over one year, while cyproterone acetate and finasteride were not effective.

research Hair Loss in Women with Hyperandrogenism: Four Cases Responding to Finasteride

92 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reports that oral finasteride improved or stabilized hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism but not in postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss.

research The Potential Role of Minoxidil in the Hair Transplantation Setting

31 citations , October 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This article reviews expert opinions on combining pharmacologic treatments like minoxidil with hair transplantation, reporting improved hair density and regrowth in patients with partially functioning follicles.

research Finasteride for Female Androgenetic Alopecia

51 citations , October 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride increases hair density in female androgenetic alopecia, but individual results may vary.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Prevention of Temporal Alopecia Following Rhytidectomy: The Prophylactic Use of Minoxidil. A Study of 60 Patients

11 citations , January 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study concluded that topical minoxidil is effective in preventing temporal hair loss following facelift surgery and does not increase the risk of complications such as hematomas or skin necrosis.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

research The Psychology of Hair Loss and Its Implications for Patient Care

138 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This review discusses the relationship between perceived stress and hair loss or graying, exploring hair follicles as a model system but reports no new clinical results.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

77 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This article discusses treatment approaches for female pattern hair loss and concludes that available medical treatments are effective in reversing or stabilizing the condition in most cases of mild-to-moderate severity.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations , November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, finasteride 1 mg/day for 12 months did not improve hair growth or slow hair thinning in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

research Dihydrotestosterone and the Concept of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibition in Human Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

184 citations , January 2000 in “European Urology”

This abstract reviews the role of finasteride and potential dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, suggesting that dual inhibitors may offer greater DHT suppression and therapeutic advantages, while emphasizing the need for clinical evaluation.

research Diffuse Female Hair Loss: Are Androgens Necessary?

110 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This case report describes a young woman with hypopituitarism who experienced hair loss typical of female androgenetic alopecia without detectable androgens, suggesting this hair loss pattern may not always be androgen dependent.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Hair Problems in Women: A 1997 Study on Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and Treatment Approaches

37 citations , January 1997 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata had significantly lower serum ferritin levels compared to women without hair loss.

research Antiandrogen Therapy in Dermatology

32 citations , November 1996 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses the use of antiandrogen therapy in dermatology, covering treatments for conditions like acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 2% topical minoxidil solution significantly increased hair regrowth compared to placebo in women with androgenetic alopecia over 32 weeks.

research Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects

222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia causes significant psychological distress, particularly in women, who exhibit a more negative body image and less adaptive functioning compared to controls.

The Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men