Paulo Müller Ramos, Daniel Fernandes Melo, Henrique Radwanski, Rita Fernanda Cortez de Almeida, Hélio Amante Miot (2023) Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatol. 98(4):506-519.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a prevalent chronic condition that significantly impairs quality of life. Despite its widespread occurrence, the pathogenesis of FPHL has not yet been fully elucidated, nor are the factors that modulate miniaturized follicle morphogenesis known. This knowledge gap hinders the development of innovative and effective treatments that can fully address the needs of FPHL patients.
Minoxidil, a topical medication, stands as the sole FDA-approved treatment for FPHL since the 1990s. However, its efficacy is limited, with approximately 40% of patients experiencing minimal or no improvement.
This review delves into the major treatment modalities employed in the management of FPHL, providing a comprehensive comparative analysis of their respective benefits and drawbacks.
With such a variety of treatments available, if you’re curious about potential side effects, which treatment might be suitable for you, and what alternatives exist if the treatment doesn’t show efficacy, please read carefully.