From the Guidelines
For women experiencing hair loss, the most effective treatment option is a combination of topical minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy, as it has been shown to increase hair density and improve hair morphology in patients with androgenetic alopecia 1.
Treatment Options
- Topical minoxidil (2% or 5% solution applied twice daily) is typically the first-line treatment for hair loss in women, as it prolongs the growth phase of hair follicles and has been shown to be effective in increasing hair density 1.
- PRP or PRF therapy can be used as an adjuvant to minoxidil, as it has been shown to increase the efficacy of treatment and improve hair morphology 1.
- Oral medications like spironolactone (50-200mg daily) or finasteride (in select cases, 1-5mg daily) may also be considered, as they can help block androgens that contribute to hair thinning.
- Nutritional supplements such as iron, vitamin D, and biotin may be recommended if deficiencies are present, as they can help promote hair growth.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
- Treatment should begin with identifying the underlying cause of hair loss through blood tests and possibly scalp biopsy 1.
- A dermatologist should be consulted for proper diagnosis, as early intervention typically yields better results.
- Lifestyle modifications including gentle hair care, avoiding tight hairstyles, and managing stress can complement medical treatments.
Efficacy of PRP and PRF Therapy
- Studies have shown that PRP therapy can increase hair density and improve hair morphology in patients with androgenetic alopecia 1.
- PRF therapy has also been shown to be effective in managing androgenetic alopecia, with a greater potential to regenerate hair than PRP 1.
- The combination of topical minoxidil and PRP or PRF therapy has been shown to be more effective than monotherapy, with higher efficacy in increasing hair density and improving hair morphology 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women
- Androgenetic alopecia can be diagnosed clinically and treated with minoxidil 2
- Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or androgenic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss affecting women, and minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth 3
- Novel medical and procedural options for androgenetic alopecia have arrived, including low-dose oral minoxidil, spironolactone, finasteride, and nutritional supplements 4
- Spironolactone is a synthetic aldosterone receptor antagonist known to stimulate hair growth and has been widely used by dermatologists to treat AGA, with both oral and topical forms showing efficacy 5
Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Options
- Minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth, with a greater proportion of participants treated with minoxidil reporting a moderate increase in hair regrowth compared to placebo 3
- Topical spironolactone has been shown to have fewer side effects than oral spironolactone and is suitable for both male and female patients 5
- The combination of minoxidil and spironolactone has been shown to be more effective than monotherapy in treating AGA 6
- Histopathological examination of skin biopsy after treatment with minoxidil and spironolactone revealed a significant increase in anagen hair and a decrease in telogen and vellus hair 6
Treatment Considerations
- The choice of treatment for hair loss in women should be based on the underlying cause of the hair loss and the individual patient's needs and preferences 2
- Patients with scarring alopecia should be evaluated by a dermatologist, while those with nonscarring alopecias can be diagnosed and treated in a family physician's office 2
- Further research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of different treatment options for hair loss in women 3, 5