Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
The diagnosis of female pattern baldness is usually easy for the physician because of the typical pattern. However, certain blood tests will help to rule out other causes such as anemia (low blood count) or a thyroid disorder. A skin biopsy may be recommended.
Current therapies are aimed at stimulating regrowth of terminal hairs and might include topical minoxidil, and the oral medications spironolactone or cyproterone acetate (not available in the US). Finasteride, also an oral medication, is approved for male balding only, and studies show no effect for female pattern hair loss.
Finasteride, spironolactone, and cyproterone should not be used in women of childbearing potential.
Surgical therapy to improve the appearance includes scalp reduction, flaps, and hair transplants (micrografting). Not everyone is a good candidate for these procedures.
Self-Care Guidelines
