Although commonly thought in popular culture to afflict men, androgenic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss, also affects tens of millions of women. While upsetting for a man to lose his hair, it can be socially acceptable (i.e., Sean Connery); thinning hair for women, however, is categorically socially unacceptable. Female pattern hair loss results in a “see-through” appearance of the frontal hairline. This double standard produces anxiety for many women with female pattern hair loss, compounded by the lack of knowledge of many primary physicians  regarding  medical and surgical hair restoration treatments that are directed toward women.

Women often complain of being dismissed by their spouse, friends, or family physicians when they raise the subject of their thinning hair.

Today there are safe and effective long-term medical and surgical treatments for female pattern hair loss. Two drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat male pattern hair loss: Minoxidil (Rogaine), and Finasteride (Propecia).

Minoxidil is a topical medication applied to the scalp daily to maintain or reduce the rate of hair loss. This slowing of hair loss occurs for the majority of Minoxidil patients; a smaller minority re-grows some hair as well. Its most common side effect is scalp irritation, which occurs in a small number of patients. The earlier Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss, the more effective it is, but it must be used once daily, indefinitely, to maintain its benefits. Patients lose the hair regained or maintained about four to six months after they stop using Minoxidil; it will not, however, promote further hair loss itself if stopped.
Recently a 5% Minoxidil foam was introduced. Many of our patients have switched from the liquid form to the foam. They find it less irritating and “greasy” and studies have demonstrated a better penetration through the skin than the liquid form of minoxidil.

Finasteride ( Propecia ), approved in 1997 , is an oral medication that also maintains and delays hair loss.  Unlike Minoxidil, only male patients should use Finasteride, since it can cause birth defects in women who become pregnant while on the medication. It is safe for a man to get a women pregnant while on the medication.

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