From the Guidelines
Relationship Between Steroid Use and Hair Loss in Women
Steroid use is not directly associated with causing hair loss in women, but rather, it is used as a treatment for certain types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata.
- The evidence suggests that topical corticosteroids and intralesional corticosteroids can stimulate hair regrowth in some patients with alopecia areata 1.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as 0.25% desoximetasone cream and 0.05% clobetasol propionate foam, have shown some effectiveness in promoting hair regrowth, but the evidence is limited and the results are not always statistically significant 1.
- Intralesional corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, have been shown to stimulate hair regrowth at the site of injection, with response rates ranging from 62% to 80% in some studies 1.
- However, systemic corticosteroids are not recommended due to potentially serious side-effects and inadequate evidence of efficacy 1.
- It's worth noting that folliculitis is a common side-effect of treatment with potent topical steroids, and skin atrophy can occur with intralesional corticosteroid therapy 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between Steroid Use and Hair Loss in Women
- The use of steroids, particularly anabolic steroids, can lead to hair loss in women due to the increase in androgen levels 2.
- Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, is a common condition in women characterized by hair thinning and loss, particularly on the scalp 3, 4.
- The role of sex steroid hormones, including androgens and estrogens, in the pathogenesis of female pattern hair loss is complex and not fully understood 4.
- Certain medications, including anabolic steroids, can cause hair loss by inducing anagen arrest, telogen effluvium, or accentuating androgenetic alopecia 5, 2.
- Hair loss caused by steroid use is usually reversible after discontinuation of the medication, but the prevalence and severity of alopecia depend on the drug and individual predisposition 2.
Mechanisms of Hair Loss
- Anagen effluvium is a type of hair loss caused by the abrupt cessation of mitotic activity in rapidly dividing hair matrix cells, often due to antineoplastic agents or other medications 2.
- Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by the premature resting of hair follicles, often caused by medications, stress, or hormonal changes 5, 2.
- Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to thinner and shorter hair, and is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors 3, 4.
Hormonal Influences on Hair Growth
- Androgens, such as testosterone, play a significant role in the development of androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism 3, 6.
- Estrogens, prolactin, thyroid hormone, and other hormones also influence hair growth and can contribute to hair loss or excess hair growth 6.
- Hormonal imbalances, such as hyperprolactinemia or thyroid disorders, can cause hair loss or changes in hair growth patterns 6.