Hair loss and balding are typically associated with men, but approximately 40 percent of those with hair loss in the United States are female, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). The most common cause of female hair loss is androgenic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. This condition appears as diffuse thinning on the entire scalp. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology states that female pattern hair loss may begin as early as puberty. Medications or hair replacement are the most common treatments for hair loss in women.
Minoxidil Topical
Minoxidil, the only medication approved by the FDA for female pattern baldness, is a topical scalp medication that slows hair loss and may help regrow hair in some women, according to the AHLA. The medication is available in two and five percent strengths. While the five percent solution is not FDA-approved for use in women, it is commonly prescribed and typically more effective than the two percent medication. Drugs.com states that women using minoxidil may not see improvement until at least six months of continued use.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, or water pill, with anti-androgen properties. It treats female hair loss by slowing production of androgens in the ovaries and adrenal glands and preventing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to androgenetic receptor sites. Like testosterone, DHT is a type of androgen, the class of hormones responsible for the development of sex characteristics in men.
Cimetidine
Cimetidine is a histamine blocker traditionally prescribed to treat ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the AHLA. This medication has an anti-androgen effect in the body and, like Spironolactone, blocks DHT from binding to follicle receptor sites. This action lowers androgen levels in the body to reduce hormone-related hair loss.
Female Hormones
Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone is beneficial to women suffering from hair loss associated with menopause or hormonal deficiency. Oral contraceptives may also help treat female hair loss by decreasing ovarian androgen production.
Ketaconazole Shampoos
Shampoos containing ketaconazole, an anti-fungal medication, help to slow or to stop some cases of hair loss by reducing levels of testosterone and other androgens, according to the AHLA. Ketaconazole shampoos are available over the counter in one percent strength, and by prescription in two percent strength.
Finasteride
Finasteride, or Propecia, prevents production of DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. The AHLA states that finasteride does not cause side effects in women, but it does pose a significant risk of birth defects to male infants born to women who take the medication during pregnancy.
Hair Restoration
Hair transplantation is a treatment option for women experiencing hair loss. While hair transplantation is not typically recommended for women, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery says that modern techniques are successful when adequate donor hair is available. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, minigraft and follicular unit techniques are the most effective transplantation options currently available.
Other Treatments
Treatment of any underlying health conditions may prevent, slow or stop hair loss in females. Thyroid medication can effectively treat hypo- and hyperthyroidism, both of which can cause hair loss, and antibiotics will stop hair loss resulting from infection. Alopecia areata, a condition that causes smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp, is treatable with steroid injections, and dietary changes are usually effective at treating hair loss caused by malnutrition or vitamin deficiency. Early treatment of underlying conditions helps guarantee regrowth of hair, according to HealthScout.
