Hair loss treatment for women

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can happen on the scalp or all over the body. Normally, we lose around 50-100 hairs every day, and new ones grow in their place without us noticing.

The problem starts when new hair doesn't grow back, which can be temporary or permanent. This can happen because of genetics, hormones, health problems, or getting older. Hair loss can affect both men and women.

Types of Hair Loss

Other types of hair loss include medications, side effects, or conditions. If an individual is losing hair due to medications, medical conditions, or infections, it can often be reversed once the underlying issue is addressed.

Hair loss caused by stress or hormonal changes, like pregnancy or menopause, may not require treatment as hair regrowth may naturally recur. Any medical conditions causing hair loss should be treated first to address the symptom of hair loss. There are possible treatments for hair loss depending on the cause and type of hair loss.

Minoxidil

This is an over-the-counter liquid/foam topical solution. It is used on the scalp twice daily at the 2% strength and once daily at the 5% strength. The 2% is more common in women, and the 5% in men.

Spironolactone

Aldactone/spironolactone treats hair loss by acting on hormones. It is not approved for hair loss treatment but is actively used as an off-label medication.

Corticosteroids

Females with hair loss due to alopecia areata consider steroids injected or applied to the scalp to reduce the inflammation and help with hair growth.

Hair Transplant Surgery

In this procedure, pieces of scalp tissue are taken from one area of the scalp and moved to areas of baldness. Females may benefit from this, but it doesn't come risk-free; chances of infection or shock are present.

Other Female Hair Loss Treatments

Health professionals may recommend options like Botox injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, or immunosuppressants. Finasteride is an oral tablet that is prescribed to males with hair loss, however, it can be given off-label to females who do not plan on having children in the future.

If you notice any changes in your hair, it's important to consult with a doctor so they can appropriately diagnose if it's an autoimmune reason, life stressors, or genetic, e.g., androgenetic alopecia. The doctors will do a full examination with blood tests to check nutrient deficiencies of any underlying conditions.

Resources:

Treating female pattern hair loss - Harvard Health