Medical Treatments

There are a vast array of medical treatments available for women with hair loss (aka) alopecia, depending on the type and severity of hair loss. This pillar of knowledge offers a brief overview of common medical treatments.  Others will follow in weeks/years to come.  WHLN will continually update this information to keep you informed!


Medications:

Minoxidil (Rogaine):

An over-the-counter, customized compound, or oral treatment to help slow hair loss and promote regrowth. It may take several months to see results. 

Finasteride (Propecia):

A prescription oral medication as well as a topical compound or over-the-counter topical traditionally used for men, but sometimes prescribed off-label for women. It can help slow hair loss and promote regrowth.

Dutasteride (Avodart):

Is also not FDA-approved for treating hair loss in women, but it is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose.

Spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone):

An oral medication that can help reduce hair loss in women by blocking androgen hormones.

Corticosteroids: 

These can be administered topically, orally, or by injection to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, which can help hair regrowth in cases of alopecia areata and/or other auto immune hair loss conditions.

JAK inhibitors:

JAK inhibitors are medications that block the activity of Janus kinase enzymes, which play a key role in the immune system’s inflammatory response. By inhibiting these enzymes, JAK inhibitors can help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system and in some cases leading to hair growth.

JAK inhibitors have been found to be effective in promoting hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles. Clinical trials have shown that both oral and topical JAK inhibitors can lead to significant hair regrowth.

FDA approved Jak inhibitors: 

  • Ruxolitinib: Available as a topical cream (Opzelura) for conditions like atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata.
  • Baricitinib: An oral medication that has shown effectiveness in treating alopecia areata.
  • Tofacitinib: Another oral JAK inhibitor that has been studied for its potential in treating hair loss.
Click Here To Begin Your Search

Medical Therapies:


Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

This involves injecting your own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. PRP is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss.

Microneedling Therapy:

Microneedling can help with hair loss by stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. The tiny punctures created by the needles can help stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to produce thicker and healthier hair. Microneedling devices are FDA-cleared for certain uses. However, the FDA has not specifically approved microneedling for hair loss treatment.

Mesotherapy:

Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a mixture of medications, vitamins, and other substances directly into the scalp to promote hair growth.  While this treatment is FDA approved for various cosmetic and medical purposes it is not approved for hair loss.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

Using laser devices to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth is proving to be a safe natural way to stimulate the hair follicles. The FDA has approved several LLLT devices for treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL) since 2007. These devices use red light (600-950 nm) to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Click Here To Begin Your Search

Surgical Options:


Hair Transplant Surgery:

This involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to the balding areas. Hair transplants can be an effective treatment for women experiencing hair loss, especially for those with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or other types of hair thinning.

FDA approved Jak inhibitors: 

  • Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are removed from a donor area (usually the back of the head) and transplanted to the thinning or balding areas.
  • Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and individual hair follicles are then dissected and transplanted to the thinning areas

Limitations for FPHL can occur with widespread thinning across the scalp. Hair transplants may not be as effective for women with widespread thinning and baldness as those with targeted areas of loss such as the temples and frontal hair line.

Depending on the degree of scaring hair loss, scalp transplants may have less effective results.

Click Here To Begin Your Search


Supplements/Natural Support:




While supplements can be beneficial, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can vary. Some studies have shown positive results, such as increased hair growth and improved hair quality. However, the efficacy of hair growth supplements has not been extensively studied, and they may not be as effective as prescription treatments.

It’s crucial to be cautious with supplement use, as over-supplementation of certain nutrients like selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E has been linked to hair loss. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. There are several supplements commonly used by women experiencing hair loss.

Here are some popular ones:

  • Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It helps in the production of keratin, a protein that makes up hair.
  • Vitamin D is important for hair follicle cycling and overall hair health
  • Iron is crucial for hair growth as it helps red blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles.
  • Zinc: Supports hair follicle health and the hair growth cycle.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty acids are essential for healthy hair and may help reduce inflammation.
  • Protein: Hair is primarily made of protein, so adequate protein intake is essential for hair growth.
  • Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps reduce stress, which can be a contributing factor to hair loss.
  • Nutrafol is a popular supplement that contains a blend of ingredients like biotin, vitamin D, and ashwagandha, designed to support hair health.
  • Saw Palmetto Berry Extract: May prevent testosterone conversion to DHT.
  • Pumpkin Seed Oil: Contains phytosterols that can improve hair growth.
  • Capsaicin: Some studies have shown promising results for hair regrowth.
  • Caffeine: May counteract testosterone’s inhibitory effects on hair growth.
Click Here To Begin Your Search