Androgenic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. In women, it is frequently referred to as female pattern hair loss, or female-pattern baldness. The condition is characterized by a diffuse, overall thinning of the hair on the top, sides and front of the head. Meanwhile, the hairline typically remains intact, says the Mayo Clinic. Androgenic alopecia can be permanent, though medications such as minoxidil and spironolactone may help prevent loss and promote new growth.
Basics
Factors that contribute to female pattern hair loss include hormones, aging and genes. Women who experience this type of hair loss usually do not have medical disorders, states MedlinePlus, a medical encyclopedia run by the National Institutes of Health. However, persistent hair loss accompanied by itching and irritation may indicate a treatable medical condition. Before beginning treatment, consult a physician to determine the cause of your hair loss.
Minoxidil
Better known by its brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for female-pattern baldness. It is not known exactly how minoxidil works, though the University of Michigan Healthwise Knowledgebase theorizes that it increases hair follicles and hair shaft diameter. Minoxidil is sold over-the-counter in 2 percent and 5 percent topical formulations, though only the former is approved for women.
Spironolactone
Some women experience hair loss due to an excess of male hormones, called androgens. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe oral spironolactone, an anti-androgen. Though this drug is not approved for women, the Harvard Women's Health Watch newsletter reports that spironolactone may benefit women for whom minoxidil proves ineffective.
Use and Effectiveness
Rogaine for women is intended for topical, twice daily applications to the affected areas of the scalp. It helps slow or stop excessive hair loss in most women, and 20 percent to 25 percent of patients may experience regrowth, according to MedlinePlus. However, this hair tends to be finer that the surrounding growth. Furthermore, results are gradual. It can take six months to a year to determine if minoxidil is working, warns the Health Watch newsletter.
Spironolactone is prescribed in 100 to 200mg daily doses and comes in tablet form. The drug's effectiveness at treating androgenic alopecia remains unknown. However, the UC Davis "Dermatology Online Journal" reports that in one study, a year of spironolactone treatment successfully regrew a woman's hair. Though the new growth "plateaued at 24 months," it increased again when the spironolactone was combined with 5 percent minoxidil.
Side Effects and Warnings
Rogaine use may result in scalp irritation and excess hair growth on the forehead and cheeks. Additionally, minoxidil's benefits are not permanent; stopping the treatment will cause hair loss to resume.
Side effects of spironolactone include weight gain, depression, fatigue and loss of libido. The medication is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects. Accordingly, spironolactone is often prescribed with oral contraceptives, which may cause dizziness, upset stomach, bloating and nausea.
Considerations
MedlinePlus states that hair loss in most women is mild to moderate. Though minoxidil and spironolactone may help regrow lost hair, both medications can cause unwanted side effects. Women for whom drugs are not appropriate may benefit from superficial fixes such as hair pieces and wigs. Hair transplants provide another effective option, though these procedures can be expensive and sometimes result in mild scarring and infection.
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