From the Guidelines
The best treatment for a 54-year-old female with long-standing female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and family history is a combination of topical minoxidil 5% solution or foam and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, as it has been shown to be more effective than monotherapy in promoting hair growth and increasing hair density 1. The patient's significant family history of hair loss, including her mother who lost hair at 40 years old, suggests a strong genetic component to her condition. Given the chronic nature of FPHL, treatment should be continued indefinitely to maintain any hair regrowth.
- Topical minoxidil 5% solution or foam should be applied twice daily to the affected areas of the scalp.
- PRP therapy can be administered through injections or microneedling, with the latter showing superior results in terms of anagen, telogen, and average hair length 1.
- The use of PRP in combination with topical minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than either treatment alone, with studies demonstrating an increase in hair density and follicular size 1.
- Regular follow-up with clinical photos is recommended to monitor treatment response and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- It is essential to consider the patient's overall health and potential underlying conditions that may be contributing to her hair loss, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
- Genetic counseling may also be considered, given the patient's significant family history of hair loss 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common form of hair loss in women, characterized by a reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp 2.
- The aim of treating FPHL is to reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth 2, 3.
- Treatment options for FPHL include:
- Oral antiandrogen therapies (cyproterone acetate and spironolactone) 4.
- Topical minoxidil, which has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth and reducing hair loss 3, 5, 6.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which has been shown to be effective in increasing hair density and promoting hair regrowth 3, 5.
- Combination therapy, which involves the use of multiple treatments, such as minoxidil and LLLT, to promote hair regrowth and reduce hair loss 5.
Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Options
- Topical minoxidil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth and reducing hair loss, with a greater proportion of participants treated with minoxidil reporting a moderate increase in hair regrowth compared to placebo 3, 6.
- LLLT has been shown to be effective in increasing hair density and promoting hair regrowth, with significant increases in hair count and hair diameter observed in studies 3, 5.
- Combination therapy, which involves the use of multiple treatments, such as minoxidil and LLLT, has been shown to be effective in promoting hair regrowth and reducing hair loss, with significantly better results observed in the combination group compared to the monotherapy groups 5.
- The safety of treatment options for FPHL has been evaluated in several studies, with minoxidil and LLLT generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated 3, 5, 6.
Recommendations for Treatment
- Early initiation of treatment is recommended to prevent the progression of hair loss and promote hair regrowth 4, 2.
- A combination of treatments, such as minoxidil and LLLT, may be recommended to promote hair regrowth and reduce hair loss 5.
- Further research is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment options for FPHL, particularly for treatments such as spironolactone and finasteride 3, 6.