The American Hair Loss Association explains that hair loss in women is often associated with androgenetic alopecia, a condition more commonly known as female pattern baldness. This form of hair loss is similar to that in men. Testosterone is converted into DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, an androgen that causes the hair follicles of the scalp to decrease in size, slowing their growth cycle until hair production ceases. Treatment typically relies on topical medications that can slow the progression of hair loss, encourage hair regrowth or both, but your dermatologist may instead recommend an oral or intravenous form of treatment to provide these same effects.
Minoxidil
One of the more common forms of treatment for women suffering from hair loss is minoxidil. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter solution applied directly to the scalp twice each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, the way in which this medicine stops hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth is still unknown, but it normally takes upwards of eight months to provide results. Its effects only last as long as the drug is used, so as soon as you stop application, hair loss continues.
Spironolactone
The American Hair Loss Association suggests the use of spironolactone to treat female pattern baldness. Spironolactone slows the production of the hormones responsible for DHT and keeps DHT from shrinking the follicles of the scalp. These two factors can slow the progression of hair loss and may even help to stimulate new hair growth. However, continued use is necessary to maintain results.
Cimetidine
Another medication that treats hair loss in women is cimetidine, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Cimetidine is an H-2 blocker that also acts as an anti-androgenic. Much like spironolactone, this medication keeps DHT from binding to the hair follicles, preventing hair loss. Continued use is necessary to maintain results.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can lower androgen levels in the female body, which includes the hormone of testosterone, notes the American Hair Loss Association. With the decrease in testosterone, you inevitably experience a decrease in DHT, preventing further hair loss. The lower levels of DHT may also encourage dormant follicles to produce hair again. The length of use varies from woman to woman.
Hormone Therapy
Women experiencing androgenetic alopecia as a result of menopause can stop further hair loss and encourage hair regrowth with hormone therapy, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. The lower levels of estrogen and progesterone that accompanies menopause allows testosterone to become more prevalent in the body. This may encourage the production of DHT, which prompts hair loss. By supplementing female hormones through hormone therapy, women can slow the progress of hair loss. The length of use varies from woman to woman.
Ketoconazole
Shampoos containing the active ingredient of ketoconazole can also treat female pattern baldness, indicates the American Hair Loss Association. Ketoconazole acts as an anti-androgenic, lowering the level of androgens in the body. With a decrease in androgens, you experience a decrease in DHT, which slows hair loss and may encourage hair growth in women. It's commonly used with other medications for best results. Regular use is necessary to maintain results.
Corticosteroids
The Mayo Clinic suggests corticosteroids to treat alopecia areata, another form of hair loss affecting women. In this situation, regular injections of cortisone into the scalp can stop hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. However, corticosteroids can also be administered topically and orally with fewer results. The length of use varies from woman to woman.
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