Hair loss in women, or female-pattern baldness, usually causes a progressive thinning of hair which may be most apparent on the crown, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the majority of cases, hair loss in female-pattern baldness is slight to moderate. Aging, genetics, thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances may cause hair loss in women. Topical medications and other treatments are available to stimulate hair regrowth.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, sold commercially over the counter as Rogaine, is the only medication, topical or otherwise, approved by the FDA to treat female-pattern baldness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
When applied to the scalp daily, minoxidil may result in hair regrowth in up to 25 percent of female users, although hair may be thinner and shorter than before. Rogaine may prevent additional hair loss in most cases. It can take at least three months for regrowth to surface. The effects of Rogaine stop as soon as treatment ends. Typically, Rogaine use may be needed for up to six months to see results. The 2 percent minoxidil solution is generally recommended for female-pattern baldness.
Anthralin
Anthralin, sold over the counter as Dritho-Scalp, is a tarry substance that's applied to the scalp to encourage hair regrowth, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can take at least 12 weeks of daily use before any sign of new hair is evident.
Anthralin concentrations of 1 percent or more should be left on the scalp no longer than 30 minutes, while weaker concentrations may be kept on overnight. Anthralin is sold as scalp lotion, ointment or cream.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants may effectively treat female-pattern baldness, the UMMC reports. During a hair transplant, tiny plugs of hair are extracted from areas of the scalp where hair is growing normally and placed in thinning or balding areas.
Hair transplants pose a moderate risk for infection and may cause slight scarring in the area where hair plugs were removed. A series of transplants are usually required for optimal results, which are frequently permanent.
Hormone Replacement
Hair loss caused by hormonal fluctuations that typically occur during pregnancy and menopause may be remedied with hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.
HRT can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women with a history of heart disease or breast cancer are generally advised against taking hormone therapy. Ask your doctor about taking HRT to reverse hormonal-related hair loss.
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