Hair Loss Info

Hair Loss Information

Hair loss Causes

Hair Loss In Women

Hair Loss Treatments in Woman

Female hair loss affects about one quarter of women. There are many different causes and conditions, which makes a specific cause difficult to diagnose. The information in the “Treatments” section will help you get started in treating your hair loss. The treatments contained in this site are primarily focused on hair loss caused by female pattern hair loss.
There are several treatments that may work to help halt and/or regrow hair loss in female pattern hair loss. At present, the only FDA approved hair loss treatment for women is Rogaine (2% Minoxidil), although an extra strength Rogaine for women (5% Minoxidil) is expected to be approved within the next year. Other treatments can be prescribed by your doctor as, "off-label". This means the drug is being used for an indication other than its approved use.

Hair Growth Stimulators:

Minoxidil 2%/Rogaine
Minoxidil 5%/Rogaine Extra Strength
Rogaine Extra Strength is an FDA approved higher concentration of Minoxidil for treating hair loss. It comes in a 5% liquid solution and is available over the counter for men for approximately $30 per month. Rogaine Extra Strength claims to grow 45% more than the Regular Strength 2% formula. It also starts growing hair as soon as 2 months in many individuals. The most common side effects are scalp itch and irritation, which are rare.

Hair Transplantation

With the use of current methods of hair transplantation both men and woman are able to achieve a very natural result. Since the causes of female hair loss are more difficult to diagnose it is recommended that a woman see her physician for a physical examination prior to undergoing any treatment, including hair transplantation. Many of the same considerations present in male patients are important in female patients. These include Hair charactarisitcs (calculated density, hair quality etc...) Please see our section dedicated to further discussion of hair transplantation in woman. Read More On Hair Transplant Surgery

Antiandrogens:

Flutamide

Flutamide is one of the most powerful pure antiandrogens that blocks the androgen receptor so that androgens will have no effect on the body. Unfortunately due to its systemic effects it is not recommended for men. Some doctors use it in very small doses topically in men in combination with minoxidil.

Casodex

Casodex is a new derivitive of Flutamide. It is one of the most powerful pure antiandrogens that blocks the androgen receptor so that androgens will have no effect on the body. Unlike Flutamide, which has several side-effects and semi-toxic effects, Casodex is much more side effect free.

Cyproterone Acetate

One of the first antiandrogens used for hair loss treatment. Unfortunately, it has several side effects, especially in men, but it is still occasionally indicated for women.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is one of the most powerful antiandrogens available. It is also absorbed locally when applied topically, so it is good for hair loss treatment since it is not absorbed throughout your body. Since it is so powerful, it is not used orally due to side effects (except in women). It is not widely used since it is available only by prescription.

Estrogens:

Birth Control Pills

Estrogens appear to somehow compete with androgens for effect on the body. Raising the ratio of female to male hormones often helps in hair loss. This is one of the most common treatments for female alopecia, but they are not very male friendly due to side effects.

Diane-35

This is a low dose contraceptive that came out in the late 70s / early 80s as an alternative to normal oral contraceptives. It has been shown to have good effect against hirsutism and even hair loss.

Natural Treatments:

Green Tea

Green Tea Catechins are an extract of Green Tea leaves. This ingredient has recently been found to have antiandrogen properties.

Vitamin B6

It has been shown in previous studies on Zinc that combined with Vitamin B6, it was markedly able to inhibit the conversion of Testosterone to DHT in the skin. There are now studies that show that specific types of B6 alone will inhibit DHT creation and androgen receptor activity. However these studies show that the source of B6 is important, as some sources actually INCREASE creation of DHT. In other words, if you don't know what form of B6 you're getting, it may be best to leave it alone. It is important to get enough though, because according to the same studies, a deficiency of B6 will increase DHT creation as well.

Saw Palmetto

This product has been proven to help with enlarged prostates for many men, but has not been studied for hair loss.