Female pattern Hair Loss

A number of treatments are available for male pattern hair loss.
We have listed the ones that are backed by science, clinical trials and research.

 Minoxidil:

Minoxidil is FDA approved to treat pattern male and female pattern hair loss in men and women., . i.e. androgenetic alopecia or AGA. It appears to convert vellus hairs, which are short, fine body hair to terminal hairs – fully developed “regular” hairs; it also appears to normalize the hair follicle, and to increase the “growth phase” of hair follicles. It is mostly applied topically on the scalp in foam, liquid or cream form. Minoxidil takes four months to one year to produce visible results. Hair loss often happens again when you stop taking the medication.

Possible side effects associated with minoxidil include dryness, irritation, burning, and scaling of the scalp. You should visit the doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weight gain
• swelling of the face, hands, ankles, or abdomen
• trouble breathing when lying down
• rapid heartbeat
• chest pain

Finasteride:
Finasteride is an oral medication that is FDA approved only for men. It slows hair loss in 83% of men, showed regrowth in 64% after 2 years. It works by blocking the production of the male hormone DHT responsible for hair loss. and thereby halting the progression of hair loss. When you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss returns. You must take finasteride for three months to one year before you see results. The side effects of finasteride include:

• depression
• impotence, trouble getting an erection
• loss of interest in sex,
• trouble having an orgasm,
• abnormal/painful ejaculation,
• pain in testicles
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts,
• dizziness,
• weakness,

Dutasteride:Dutasteride is a prescription oral medication. It also a DHT Blocker like finasteride, and has similar sexual side-effects for women. It is not FDA approved. However it has been approved for treatment of pattern hair loss in several other countries, and can be prescribed off-label in the United States.

Spironolactone:A prescription medication, which can be used to treat female pattern hair loss. Spironolactone may be taken as an oral pill, or applied topically. It works to combat hair loss by inhibiting production of androgen hormones including DHT. Spironolactone is not FDA approved for treatment of hair loss but can be prescribed off-label. It should not be used by men.

Hair Transplant Surgery:A surgical procedure which involves moving healthy follicles from the back of the head to areas of thinning and balding. It is a popular procedure for men, who start facing severe hair loss and balding at much younger age. There are FUE and FUT techniques and If performed properly, patients who are nearly bald can gain a a lot of coverage, almost dramatically. However transplant can be prohibitively expensive for many people, and most people require 2-3 hair transplants. Results may vary substantially depending on patient genetics, pattern of hair loss, and the skill and experience of the surgeon. Hair transplant surgery is usually best in cases of more advanced hair loss, after other less invasive treatments have been tried. Women have diffused pattern of hair loss (loss of volume all over the scalp) vs balding in the case of men. Therefore, for the most part air transplant is not an option for women.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP):A newer procedure for treatment of hair loss, performed in the doctor's office. PRP involves taking a small sample of blood, processing it to isolated certain cells (platelets), and re-injecting this solution into the patient's scalp. PRP is minimally invasive, generally painless, takes under an hour to complete, and can be effective in both men and women. Although research on PRP is still ongoing it is thought to promote hair re-growth via release of growth factors from the platelet cells. Other treatments such as injection of stem cells, or stromal vascular fraction may promote hair growth via a similar mechanism.

Low-Level-Laser Therapy (LLLT):Also known as Low-Level-Light Therapy, Photobiomodulation Therapy, cold laser therapy, or laser hair therapy, LLLT is a effective, safe, and versatile, treatment for pattern hair loss in both men and women. Uniquely, LLLT does not involve drugs or surgery, is not associated with any serious averse side effects, can be used by both men and women, and can be used in combination with all other hair-loss treatments. More than 12 clinical trials, 300 research papers have been conducted on LLLT and there are more than 25 brands selling LLLT devices for hair growth. This makes LLLT the most studied and well-proven hair loss treatment in the world. Almost all medical hair loss professionals use Laser hair therapy as a indispensable component of their treatment plan.