There are several treatment options for women with hair loss. Injections of protein-rich plasma (PRP), Minoxidil, and hair transplants are just a few. Each one has pros and cons, and you should know which one is right for you. Here is a look at some of the more common options.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a popular choice for women experiencing female pattern baldness. It’s a safe and effective treatment. You can purchase the 2% or 5% solution without a prescription. However, other concentrations may require a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Minoxidil can cause temporary hair loss, but this will stop once hair grows back. It can also cause irritation of the scalp. Users may experience dryness, scaling, redness, and itching. This common side effect will go away after a couple of months. Some women experience hair growth on the forehead or cheeks, but this is typically temporary.
The minoxidil alternative is used for mild to moderate hair loss. One study showed that 19% of women who used minoxidil showed minimal or no regrowth, compared to 40% of people who used a placebo liquid with no active minoxidil. Other treatments for women with hair loss include potassium-sparing diuretics, or “water pills.” These drugs work by decreasing the amount of fluid in the body. They can also be used for conditions such as high blood pressure and swelling.
Injections of protein-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelets are an important component of the blood. They act as the first line of defense against infection and promote healing after wounds. Researchers hypothesized that injection of concentrated platelets might speed up healing. To extract platelets, a patient’s blood is centrifuged.
PRP injections can help with a number of ailments, including a number of hair loss treatments. During the procedure, a clinician will draw a sample of a patient’s blood and spin it in a centrifuge. This helps the clinician determine the area to be treated. PRP is rich in growth factors, including hormones and bio proteins. These growth factors can speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and stimulate hair growth.
PRP treatment is generally considered safe for healthy people. However, if you have a history of clotting disorders or other medical issues, you should consult with your physician before undergoing this procedure. Because PRP uses a patient’s own blood, it is unlikely to cause a patient to reject or react negatively to the procedure.
Hair transplants
Hair transplants are surgical procedures that restore hair growth to women who are experiencing hair loss. The procedure involves the placement of grafts into the recipient’s scalp. The transplanted hair grows for about 10 days and then falls out. In most cases, the transplanted hair re-grows within three to four months. However, it is important to understand the natural course of hair growth before undergoing the procedure.
Compared with male pattern baldness, hair transplantation in women is a relatively safe procedure. Complications are low and often minimal. Surgical complications for women are the same as those for men, although some women are more likely to be dissatisfied with the results. For this reason, the surgeon should be careful to select patients who are happy with the results and are realistic about their expectations.
Anti-androgens
Anti-androgen drugs are used to prevent hair loss in women. Anti-androgens block the production of the male hormone testosterone, which can accelerate hair loss in women. These treatments can be applied externally or used internally. For internal treatments, physicians use agents called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This enzyme is found in the adrenal glands.
The most commonly prescribed anti-androgen is spironolactone (also known as Aldactone). However, it is important to note that this medication may cause birth defects and may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some patients also experience facial hair problems as a side effect of spironolactone, which is why it is important to use contraception when taking this medication. Other treatments for women experiencing hair loss include prescription creams with eflornithine (Vaniqa). These treatments reduce new hair growth while not removing existing hair. Some patients may also receive laser therapy to reduce hair loss.
Other treatments
Antiandrogen medications, such as spironolactone or minoxidil, are used to treat women’s hair loss. Antiandrogens block the hormone androgen, which damages hair follicles. These treatments are available only by prescription and can lead to irregular menstrual periods, drowsiness, or other unwanted side effects. Women should not take these medications while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a common problem for minoxidil for female, and one in three women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. While female pattern baldness is generally not a medical disorder, the condition can affect women’s self-esteem and quality of life. While it’s not life-threatening, female hair loss can be embarrassing and even cause anxiety and depression.