Hair Loss Medication for Women: New prescriptions, now available

A bad hair day is one thing… but thinning or receding hair isn’t just a cosmetic problem. As much as some clever styling can do to hide hair loss, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem.

Hair loss in women can be a medical condition that’s treatable with prescription medication. There are clinically proven prescription and over-the-counter products available, including oral and topical solutions, for hair loss that women experience, such as postpartum hair loss and androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).

That being said, hair loss treatment for men and women does vary. Read on to learn about potential treatment options for female hair loss. (For a breakdown of prescription hair loss medications formulated to treat male pattern baldness, click here! )

Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss is a common experience for women. While it is often thought of as a male condition, over 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss at some point in their lives. Hair loss is most common in women over the age of 35, women who have recently given birth (postpartum hair loss), or women going through menopause. There are many causes of hair loss in women, including genetics, hormonal changes, and medical conditions. Medications like minoxidil and spironolactone can help treat hair loss in women.

Minoxidil for Female Hair Loss

Did you know that Rogaine is just a brand name, not the name of a medication? Rogaine’s signature product is minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication that has been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth in adult women and men. Over time, it promotes hair regrowth and is effective whether or not you have started to notice hair loss at the crown of your head or other areas of thinning. Minoxidil can be applied as a leave-in topical treatment or ingested as a once-a-day pill.

Topical minoxidil, or generic Rogaine, is a leave-in treatment available over the counter. It’s FDA-approved to treat androgenetic alopecia known as female pattern hair loss. It can be applied using a foam, dropper, or spray. For information on Bosley’s topical minoxidil, click here.

Oral minoxidil utilizes the same well-known, clinically proven, FDA-approved ingredient to help combat hair loss with a convenient, once-a-day pill. Oral minoxidil is a prescription medication available to men and women.

Many clinical studies have reinforced minoxidil’s effectiveness in treating female pattern hair loss:

• This 48-week study found both 5% topical minoxidil and 2% topical minoxidil to be effective in promoting hair growth, without evidence of adverse side effects^[1].
• A 2022 study found that topical minoxidil increased hair density for patients with female pattern hair loss^[2].
• This 2020 study found that nearly 80% of patients with female pattern hair loss presented clinical improvement after taking low-dose oral minoxidil daily for a mean time of 9 months^[3].

You can purchase topical minoxidil online without a prescription. If you’re eligible, you can get a prescription for oral minoxidil online from BosleyRx and get it shipped right to your door.

Spironolactone for Female Pattern Hair Loss

Spironolactone is a diuretic medication that is typically prescribed to treat conditions associated with swelling and water retention, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. However, it is also often prescribed off-label to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Also, spironolactone can reduce unwanted facial hair growth.

FPHL is a common type of hair loss that affects women. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. Androgens, which are male sex hormones, can also be found in women. These hormones play a role in regulating hair growth, hair follicle health, and sebum production.

Spironolactone works by blocking the action of androgens. This can help to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth in women with FPHL.

Some common triggers that can increase androgen levels in women include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid problems
• Menopause
• Stress
• Certain medications
• Certain medical conditions

Most people start to see results within 3 to 6 months of starting treatment. However, it is important to continue taking spironolactone to maintain hair growth.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about spironolactone for FPHL:

• It is considered effective for women who are experiencing hair loss all over their head.
• It may take several months to see results.
• You may need to continue taking spironolactone for as long as you want to maintain hair growth.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take spironolactone.

Clinical studies have shown that spironolactone is effective in treating female pattern hair loss:

• One observational study found that spironolactone promoted hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, especially those with higher baseline hair density and who used spironolactone for one year or longer^[4].
• One 2023 study found that both oral and topical spironolactone were shown to be effective in treating alopecia – and that they were even more effective in combination with oral or topical minoxidil^[5].
• Another 2023 study found that spironolactone was an effective and safe treatment option for hair loss, especially when combined with other therapies^[6].

If you’re eligible, you can talk to the doctors at BosleyRx to see if topical or oral spironolactone is right for you.

Minoxidil + Spironolactone Compounds for Women

Studies have shown that minoxidil and spironolactone are most effective when used together. In studies, the combination of these powerful ingredients slowed shedding and promoted growth in over 85% of women after six months of continuous daily use. Oral minoxidil revitalizes dormant hair follicles and encourages the growth of new hair strands, while spironolactone helps address hair loss associated with hormonal imbalances.

BosleyRx offers two initial offerings for treating women’s hair loss: oral minoxidil, and oral minoxidil combined with spironolactone. If you’re eligible, you can get a prescription online here and have your medication shipped straight to your door.

• increased growth promoted by minoxidil, can lead to a noticeable improvement in hair density.
• Improved hair quality: Minoxidil can also improve the thickness and diameter of existing hairs, resulting in a fuller and healthier appearance.

Spironolactone should only be started after completing breast feeding. With treatment, most women see results in 4-6 months of using treatment.

Topical or Oral Hair Loss Medication for Women?

Both spironolactone and minoxidil are available as topical or oral medications. Regardless of the form they’re taken in, they’ve been found to yield great hair loss treatment benefits. That being said, FDA approvals, dosage, application, and applicable side effects can vary depending on the type you choose.

Topical Minoxidil vs Oral Minoxidil

Here’s a quick breakdown of how topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil compare.

Topical Minoxidil

• Applied as a foam, dropper, or spray
• FDA-approved to treat female pattern hair loss
• No prescription required – available over-the-counter
• Mild side effects associated with irritation or itchiness on the scalp and other areas.

Oral Minoxidil

• Taken as a once-daily pill
• Off-label – commonly prescribed at a doctor’s discretion to treat female pattern hair loss with demonstrated results, but not FDA-approved for that purpose
• Prescription required, can get it online here
• Mild side effects including possible lightheadedness, low blood pressure, increased facial hair, and fluid retention
• More precise dosage

Patients often start with topical minoxidil since it is FDA-approved and clinically proven to treat hair loss. However, those who would prefer the precision and convenience of taking a once-daily pill will likely find oral minoxidil to be just as effective in stimulating hair growth.

Oral Spironolactone

• Taken as a once-daily pill
• Off-label – commonly prescribed at a doctor’s discretion to treat female pattern hair loss with demonstrated results, but not FDA-approved for that purpose
• Prescription required
• More serious side effects, including increased urination, breast tenderness, dizziness, low blood pressure, menstrual spotting, and a possibility of birth defects if you become pregnant while taking oral spironolactone
• More precise dosage
• Only suitable for women

Permanent Solutions for Advanced Female Hair Loss

Many studies have shown that minoxidil and spironolactone are effective at treating hair loss. They can help reverse the effects of female pattern baldness, prevent further hair loss, and stimulate hair regrowth. That being said, effects are gradual and they do require continued use to see results.

If your hair loss is advanced or you’re looking for the absolute best way to put more hair where you want it most, a Bosley hair transplant offers the most permanent solution and the most dramatic results in treating hair loss. Explore results from female hair transplants by clicking here. 

If you’re interested in discussing surgical hair restoration solutions as well as prescription solutions, schedule a free consultation here.

So, Which Hair Loss Solution is Right For Me?

The right hair loss solution for you depends on the state of your hair loss.

If you’re concerned about hair loss at the crown or other areas of your scalp or you’d prefer to start with an over-the-counter, FDA-approved option, consider topical minoxidil. If you’d prefer a hormonal hair loss treatment that could also work to treat acne and reduce excess hair growth on the face and body, consider spironolactone. Or, consider Bosley’s Personalized Hair Growth Solution for Women which combines minoxidil and spironolactone, available orally as a once-daily pill.

Bosley offers 2 prescription treatments each taken once-daily, oral minoxidil and oral minoxidil with spironolactone.

BosleyRx’s Women’s Minoxidil and Spiro Combination is a groundbreaking solution designed to address hair loss in women comprehensively. This unique formulation combines the power of oral spironolactone and topical minoxidil in a convenient once-daily dosage, providing an effective and convenient approach to combating hair thinning and promoting regrowth.

BosleyRx offers fast, affordable prescription hair loss meds, starting at just $29 a month for women. Plus, you can get your first month free with select medications. Visit BosleyRx to explore prescription hair loss medications and determine the best solution for your needs.

If you’re interested in discussing ALL Bosley hair loss solutions for women, including surgical options available to you, schedule a free hair loss consultation here.

Sources:
1. Lucky, Anne W. et al. (2004) A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
2. Liang, Xuelei et al. (2022) Efficacy and Safety of 5% Minoxidil Alone, Minoxidil Plus Oral Spironolactone, and Minoxidil Plus Microneedling on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Prospective, Single-Center, Parallel-Group, Evaluator Blinded, Randomized Trial. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
3. Rodrigues-Barata, Rita et al. (2020) Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Unicenter Descriptive Study of 148 Women. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
4. Burns, Laura J. et al. (2020) Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
5. Wang, Chaofan et al. (2023) The Efficacy and Safety of Oral and Topical Spironolactone in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Systematic Review. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.
6. Aleissa, Majed (2023) The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Spironolactone in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023.