While men's hair loss gets most of the attention, thinning hair is a problem for millions of women. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women account for 40 percent of those suffering from hair loss. Of the two major types of hair loss in women, telogen effluvuvium is temporary, while androgenetic alopecia or female pattern baldness, is permanent. Visit your doctor for blood tests to find the cause of your hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the only treatment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat women's hair loss. The only version of minoxidil available over the counter for women is 2 percent, but many doctors will write a prescription for the 5 percent solution. The American Hair Loss Association states that the 5 percent solution has outperformed the 2 percent solution is smaller clinical trials, but the 5 percent solution does not have FDA approval.
Ketoconazole
A ketoconazole shampoo, such as Nizoral, is a method for treating women's hair loss. The shampoo acts as an anti-androgen and can limit the production of androgens, which are a cause of pattern baldness. Nizoral is available in a 1 percent ketoconazole solution over the counter, or as a prescription 2 percent solution. Unlike most other hair loss products, Nizoral is used every third day.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone, which is sold under the trade name Aldactone, is an oral hair loss treatment for women. It acts as an anti-androgen and inhibits the production of adrogens, as well as prevents dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, from attaching itself to hair follicles. Spironolactone use should be under the close supervision of a doctor, as its primary use is as a diuretic designed to eliminate water and salt, while keeping potassium in the body. Because of this, potassium levels will become elevated and could cause side effects, such as cramps, diarrhea or hyperkalemia.
Cyproterone Acetate with Ethinyloestradiol
Cyproterone acetate with ethinyloestradiol is sold in Europe as the contraceptives Diane 35 and Diane 50. It is prescribed in Europe to treat female pattern baldness and the American Hair Loss Association claims that it works at least as well as spironolactone, if not better. Currently unavailable in the United States, the potential side effects of Diane 35 or Diane 50 are headaches, breast soreness and a decreased sex drive. The drug has to be taken on a continual basis after starting.
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