Hair loss is caused by environmental, medical or hormonal reasons. If hair loss is caused by a medical condition, then it can be treated. Environmental conditions such as styling treatments, topical scalp treatments or even stress cause hair loss that is not permanent. Just stop using the products and be gentler with the hair. However, hormonal and genetic factors can cause thinning hair. Products for women with hair that is falling out range from topical treatments to hairpieces and can help regrow hair or just fill in the gaps.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter treatment that stops hair loss and promotes growth in 20 to 25 percent of women, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Minoxidil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is a topical solution that you rub into the scalp twice daily. Results may take four months to a year before hair starts to grow back. Rogaine is one maker of minoxidil, but generic minoxidil products are also available.
Pregnant women should not use Minoxidil. People with heart, kidney, liver or scalp disease should consult their doctor before using minoxidil. Minoxidil can cause serious side effects such as weight gain, swelling of the extremities, difficulty breathing, chest pain and light-headedness. If any of these occur, stop using the product and consult a doctor immediately.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is a drug that when used with oral contraceptives has shown positive results for hair growth in women, according to a study on Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss in the March 2006 "Archives of Dermatology." Finiasteride can cause birth defects and must be used with an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy. Finasteride (Propecia) is taken in pill form and works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), according to the Mayo Clinic.
Finasteride is approved for use by men, but is not approved for use by women by the FDA. In Europe, some dermatologists treat hair loss in women use finasteride.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are cortisone injections into the scalp, that can treat thinning hair in women. Monthly injections or pills are used to stop the hair loss. Regrowth can take up to four weeks after the injection before results are noticeable. Steroid ointments and creams are available, but they are not as effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Corticosteroids can cause high blood pressure and bone disease. This is a concern for women at risk of osteoporosis. Pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding, anyone with allergies to corticosteroids, diabetes or who is taking medications should consult their doctor before using corticosteroids.
Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp)
Anthralin comes in a cream or an ointment form and is applied to the scalp daily. It is a medication used to treat psoriasis and may regrow hair. It can take up to 12 weeks before the new growth is visible.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, "there are no known long-term side effects to using anthralin."
Hair Extensions and Wigs
Alternative products for women who do not want to risk the side effects of any of the medications and cream products are hair extensions or wigs to cover the hair loss. Many quality wigs made with natural or synthetic hair look natural and are easy to care for.
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