From the Guidelines
Vitamin D supplementation is the most effective option for treating female hair loss, with a recommended daily dose of 1000-2000 IU for those with levels below 30 ng/mL. Several studies have investigated the role of vitamin D in hair loss, including a review of the literature published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 1. This review highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining healthy hair follicles and notes that vitamin D deficiency has been associated with hair loss. Additionally, a study published in the same journal found that lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with alopecia areata, a common cause of hair loss in women 1.
Other supplements that may be beneficial for female hair loss include:
- Iron: Women with ferritin levels below 30 ng/mL may benefit from taking 50-100 mg of elemental iron daily, preferably with vitamin C to enhance absorption 1.
- Biotin: Biotin supplementation at 2.5-5 mg daily may improve hair growth, particularly in cases of deficiency 1.
- Zinc: Zinc supplementation at 25-50 mg daily may also be beneficial for hair growth 1.
- Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto supplementation at 160 mg twice daily may help block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that can contribute to hair loss.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation at 1000-2000 mg daily may help reduce inflammation and promote healthy hair growth.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some supplements may interact with medications or have adverse effects. Results from supplement use typically take 3-6 months to become noticeable and should be used alongside proper hair care and medical treatment for underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.
From the Research
Effective Supplements for Female Hair Loss
- Biotin: Although biotin is a popular supplement for hair loss, studies have shown that its effectiveness is largely unsubstantiated in scientific literature 2. However, a study found that biotin deficiency was present in 38% of women complaining of hair loss, suggesting that biotin supplementation may be beneficial for those with a deficiency 3.
- Omega 3&6 and antioxidants: A 6-month supplementation with omega 3&6 and antioxidants was found to improve hair density and reduce telogen hair percentage in women with female pattern hair loss 4.
- Minoxidil: Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia in men and women, and has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth 5. Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.5-5 mg/day) may also be safe and effective for female pattern hair loss and chronic telogen effluvium.
- Nutraceutical supplements: A study found that a nutraceutical supplement containing a proprietary Synergen Complex® was effective in promoting hair growth and improving hair quality in women with self-perceived thinning hair 6.
Key Findings
- Biotin supplementation may be beneficial for women with biotin deficiency, but its effectiveness for hair loss is largely unsubstantiated in scientific literature.
- Omega 3&6 and antioxidants may improve hair density and reduce telogen hair percentage in women with female pattern hair loss.
- Minoxidil is a well-established treatment for androgenetic alopecia, and low-dose oral minoxidil may be a safe and effective option for female pattern hair loss.
- Nutraceutical supplements may provide a multi-targeted therapeutic approach to hair loss, addressing micro-inflammation, stress, and oxidative damage.