Women seeking solutions for hair loss are flooded with options on social media. Discovering the effective remedies
In the realm of women's health, hair loss is a concern that affects many. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, the chief medical officer of Hers, has underscored the company's commitment to tackling this issue head-on.
One woman, Allison Richards, experienced hair loss in her 20s, a problem that worsened during the pandemic. Her long, straight blond hair, a defining feature of her childhood, began to thin significantly. A major hair loss incident, where she found hundreds of strands of hair in the shower, was a turning point for Allison.
While stress-induced hair loss is temporary for most, it can be a distressing experience. Allison's journey led her to seek solutions, including off-label treatments such as oral minoxidil and spironolactone.
Oral spironolactone, an anti-androgen medication, works by blocking androgen receptors and reducing androgen production, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicle shrinkage in androgenetic alopecia. Low-dose spironolactone (12.5–50 mg daily) significantly improves hair density over about a year, with mild and manageable side effects in many women.
Oral minoxidil, originally an antihypertensive medication, promotes hair growth by improving follicle blood flow and prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles. It is well tolerated and can show visible results within 3 to 6 months.
Both medications show promise as off-label treatments for female hair loss, with spironolactone particularly beneficial for hormone-related cases and minoxidil effective across types. However, they each have distinct mechanisms and side effect profiles.
| Drug | Mechanism | Typical Dose | Effectiveness | Common Side Effects | Special Considerations | |----------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Spironolactone | Anti-androgen; blocks DHT receptors | 12.5–200 mg daily | Significant improvement in FPHL over months to a year | Mild hormonal side effects, diuresis, menstrual changes | Best for hormonally driven hair loss; monitor potassium levels | | Oral Minoxidil | Vasodilator; prolongs hair growth phase | 0.25–2.5 mg daily | Effective within 3–6 months | Fluid retention, dizziness, hypertrichosis | Not for patients with heart arrhythmias; needs medical oversight |
Allison, currently taking both oral minoxidil and spironolactone, emphasises the importance of seeking help and support for women experiencing hair loss. She wants others to know they are not alone in their struggles.
Thea Chassin, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Bald Girls Do Lunch, stresses the importance of proper diagnosis, particularly for conditions like alopecia areata, an autoimmune kind of hair loss. Telehealth might not always be the best solution for hair loss diagnosis, she suggests.
Each strand of hair goes through its own growth, transition, and rest cycles, with shedding happening during the rest phase. Stress, such as having a baby or dealing with the pandemic, can cause the hair cycles to sync up, leading to more hair loss.
While some women seek solutions for hair loss from social media, such as onion juice or rosemary oil, it is important to approach such information with caution. There is one randomized controlled study showing that rosemary oil could potentially work for hair loss, but misinformation on social media is rampant.
As telehealth companies step in to address hair loss issues for women, it is crucial to remember the importance of proper diagnosis and medical supervision when considering off-label treatments like oral minoxidil and spironolactone. These medications, while effective, require careful dosing and monitoring to minimise side effects.
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