Medication for hair loss: what’s out there?

Once you have been diagnosed with female hair loss, the next step is to find a treatment that works for you. There are many options available nowadays, from medication and surgical procedures to more natural hair replacement techniques.

In terms of medication for hair loss, you may be prescribed:

Minoxidil (also known by the brand name Regaine)
This is one of the most commonly used non-prescription medications for female hair loss, particularly the condition known as alopecia areata. It comes in the form of a foam or liquid that you frequently rub into the scalp. Around 30-40 per cent of people using minoxidil experience some form of regrowth, although any improvement can take up to 12 months to become noticeable.

Corticosteroids
This medication, often used to treat alopecia areata, comes in the form of injections or oral pills. Results can take up to a month or more to be noticeable, depending of course on the patient and the condition.

Hormonal modulators
These come in the form of oral contraceptives or something called spironolactone and is often used to treat androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) associated with hyperandrogenemia.