Women's Hair Loss Remedies

Women can experience hair loss just as men do, but there is less emphasis on hair loss in women. Hair loss occurs in women between the ages of 12 and 40 and does not usually result in complete baldness. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can cause hair loss, but it is usually the result of lowered estrogen levels. There are several things that women can do to promote hair growth and treat the hair loss.

Antiandrogens

• Antiandrogens are often prescribed in women to counter the effects of testosterone in the body. One effect of increased testosterone is hair loss. Androgens can destroy the hair follicles and make it impossible to regrow hair. Antiandrogens can also help against hot flashes, but the negative of effects can mean a decreased interest in sex. Prolonged use of antiandrogens is not recommended.

Minoxidil

• Currently, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for women's hair loss. Minoxidil works the same way in women as it does in men. Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but a side effect was increased hair growth. The drug was produced in cream form that could be applied directly to the scalp. Once applied, the cream showed immediate hair growth in areas that had complete hair loss. It works better in women than it does in men. Many women report hair growth of up to 30 percent.

Nizoral

• Nizoral is a cream medication that can help with hair loss in women. It also comes in shampoo form. This is not FDA-approved, because the side effects of the medication are still not completely known. There have been reported deaths among users, as well as reports of hepatitis and liver disease. Nizoral is normally used to treat fungal infections. It is believed that some hair loss may be from a fungus due to the itching of the scalp. This medication is generally not recommended. It's best to check with your physician to discuss your options.