Hormonal therapy like cyproterone acetate and spironolactone may help female hair loss, but more research is needed, especially for pre-menopausal women.
A 30-year-old woman experiencing rapid hair loss is using 5% Minoxidil, Saw Palmetto, vitamins, and Nizoral, but is advised to see a dermatologist as her symptoms may indicate a condition other than androgenetic alopecia, such as alopecia areata or a thyroid issue. Many suggest a biopsy and blood tests to determine the underlying cause.
The conversation discusses whether topical finasteride, dutasteride, or antiandrogens like RU58841 can reduce sebum overproduction as an early indicator of their effectiveness in treating hair loss. It suggests that while hair growth may take months to observe, a decrease in oiliness could be a quicker sign of a product's action.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
A user stopped finasteride due to side effects and rapid hair loss, considering a hair system. Others suggested alternatives like dutasteride, minoxidil, and topical finasteride.