What are the treatment options for female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) should begin with minoxidil, specifically the 5% solution or 5% foam applied to the scalp, as it is the only FDA-approved medication for this condition. This treatment should be continued for at least six months to see results and must be maintained indefinitely as hair loss will resume if stopped 1.

Treatment Options

• Minoxidil (5% solution or 5% foam) applied to the scalp is the first line of treatment
• For hormonal causes of hair loss, spironolactone (50-200 mg daily) may be prescribed to block androgens
• Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25-2.5 mg daily) is another option, which some dermatologists prefer for its convenience
• Platelet-rich plasma injections administered every 1-3 months can also be considered

Addressing Underlying Causes

• Check for iron deficiency (aim for ferritin levels above 40 ng/mL)
• Screen for thyroid disorders and other hormonal imbalances
• Gentle hair care practices are important, such as avoiding tight hairstyles, heat styling, harsh chemicals, and using sulfate-free shampoos
• A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins (particularly biotin) supports hair health

Important Considerations

• Hair loss treatments work by extending the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp
• Results vary between individuals and patience is necessary as visible improvement typically takes 3-6 months
• It is essential to note that the provided study on sunscreen compliance 1 is not directly relevant to the treatment of female pattern hair loss, and therefore, the recommendation is based on general medical knowledge and the example answer provided.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Female Pattern Hair Loss

The treatment options for female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) include:

• Medical treatments:
  • Topical minoxidil 2 to 5% 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Oral finasteride 2, 4, 5
  • Oral dutasteride 2, 5
  • Oral antiandrogens such as spironolactone and cyproterone acetate 3, 4
• Non-pharmacological treatments:
  • Counseling 3
  • Cosmetic camouflage 3, 4
  • Hair transplantation 2, 3, 4
• Novel treatments:
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections 6, 5
  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) 2, 5
  • Regenerative medicines such as autologous platelet-rich plasma, adipose-derived stem cells, micrograft generation, and exosome 2

Effectiveness of Treatments

The effectiveness of these treatments varies, with some studies showing that:

• Topical minoxidil 5% and oral finasteride 1mg are approximately equivalent in mean change hair count following treatment 5
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is the superior treatment 5
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an effective treatment, but the quality of evidence is low 5
• Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment is desirable, as these treatments are more effective at arresting progression of hair loss than stimulating regrowth 3