Possible Treatments for Women’s Hair Loss

By Melody G. Gillette 2 years ago

Females lose hair for various reasons, including genetics, medical conditions, hormones, hairstyles, or the aging process. You may not require any treatment if you experience hair loss during pregnancy or menopause, as the loss may stop once your body adjusts. Females can prevent hair loss by adopting gentle hair practices and consuming a nutritious diet to maintain healthy hair. However, if your hair loss is due to medical conditions or family history, you need to see a professional. They will recommend the best treatment to address the root cause of the issue. The doctor may prescribe various treatment options for your condition, including light and laser therapy, ketoconazole, and topical medications. Here is a detailed description of all the treatments for women’s hair loss.

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Minoxidil

The drug is FDA-approved, and it is safe for women. Individuals have given positive reviews after using it. You can purchase Minoxidil or Rogaine over-the-counter. However, minoxidil only treats certain types of hair loss and requires consistency. It is a liquid or foam-like drug that you should apply to your scalp every day. You may have to use minoxidil for at least six months to encourage regrowth. It works by stimulating hair growth and increasing the growth cycle. Additionally, Rogaine can thicken your hair and reduce patchy hair loss. Possible side effects of minoxidil include:

  • Scalp irritation
  • Initially, some women may experience hair loss after applying the drug. But this stops after a few months.
  • Allergic reaction due to the product’s ingredients
  • Hair may grow on parts that come in contact with minoxidil

Topical Anthralin

You can also use anthralin cream to treat mild alopecia areata. It is a safe and effective treatment and can be applied once a day on the scalp. You may notice new hairs after two months of application. Anthralin’s irritant reaction stimulates the immune system, thereby encouraging hair growth. Its side effects include: 

  • Temporary discolorations of hair 
  • Irritant dermatitis

Light and Laser Therapy

Physicians may recommend light and laser therapy combined with other treatments like minoxidil. The therapy amplifies the effects of hair loss treatment options. Light and laser therapy devices available in the market are handheld items like brushes and combs, laser caps, and bands. These devices emit light that makes hair fuller. Plus, they also stimulate weakened hair follicles. You can use the treatment twice per week and expect results from several weeks to a few months. The treatment is not FDA-regulated, and its long-term effects and safety are unknown.

Corticosteroids Injections

If you have been diagnosed with alopecia areata, the doctor may inject corticosteroids at multiple affected areas. Corticosteroid injections encourage new hair growth by stimulating immune system activity and reducing inflammation. Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system fights against the body’s natural processes causing hair to fall out in random patches. The side effects of the injections include skin atrophy and scalp skin thinning. Corticosteroids also exist as creams and lotions. Oral corticosteroids are also available, but they have unpleasant side effects. 

Ketoconazole

Prescription ketoconazole shampoo with two percent strength may help treat androgenic alopecia. The drug is antifungal and may help lower inflammation and increase hair strength. Further, it minimizes the level of testosterone and other androgens produced by the body, which cause hair loss. One common side effect of ketoconazole is skin irritation in the affected area. The skin may form pimple-like bumps when you apply the product. The drug may also cause oiliness or dryness of the scalp and hair and discoloration. Moreover, it may cause hair loss, so you need to contact your doctor immediately if you notice this side effect.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a common issue in women, and it can affect one’s confidence. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is safe to talk to a dermatologist to diagnose the cause and prescribe the best treatment option. Treatments can include light and laser therapy, ketoconazole, and topical medications like anthralin and minoxidil. The doctor may recommend using one or a combination of the treatments for several months before seeing results.