Women who are suffering from hair loss are in a category all to themselves. The emotional stress that can happen from hair loss in a woman can be devastating and can also be caused by numerous things. Pregnancy can actually lead to some hair loss, but this hair loss is reversible, and the hair will grow back.
Drug companies have obviously spent the most time and money researching medications that affect hair loss in men based on the fact that the majority of hair loss sufferers are male. But that doesn’t mean that there are not any treatments for hair loss in women. The effectiveness of each treatment will vary, and it is important to consult with a hair restoration specialist to prescribe what treatment will work the best for your individual hair loss.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
This form of hair loss treatment has actually proven to be more effective in women than men. It comes in two concentrations, either 2% or 5%, and it is recommended by the makers of Rogaine that women use only the 2% form. However, the 5% concentration can be used as long as it can be monitored by the doctor who has prescribed it. Depending on the extent of the hair loss, the 5% form may be the best option because it will obviously have a much better hair growth result.
Finasteride (Propecia Or Proscar)
This medication works extremely well for men and has been shown to have good results in women too. Women are typically prescribed Proscar because it comes in a higher dose. The drug works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that is responsible for the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is to blame for androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss). Some men (less than 10%) can experience side effects related to sexual libido and erectile dysfunction from taking Propecia, but women obviously won’t have these same side effects. Women who are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant should not take finasteride based on the possibility of having side effects on a male fetus.
Estrogen/Progesterone
Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) is typically prescribed during menopause, but can also be effective in treating androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss. The most common form of treatment is either progesterone pills or creams. HRT is used if the levels of estrogen or progesterone are lacking and are therefore contributing to the higher production of the DHT responsible for the hair loss.
Spironolactone
Also called by its brand name Aldactone, spironolactone is commonly used as a water pill or diuretic. It works as an anti-androgen and has a 2-part effect. Primarily, it slows down androgen production in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Secondly, it blocks androgens like DHT from binding to its androgenetic receptor.
Birth Control Pills
Oral contraceptives decrease the production of androgens related to the ovaries and, therefore, can be a simple way to combat hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. Make sure that you consult a doctor before using this form of treatment. Low androgen index pills are used to treat hair loss compared to high androgen index pills that may actually contribute to accelerated hair loss.
