Female hair loss treatments are constantly evolving. While male hair loss once dominated the research around treatment, the industry is progressing rapidly to rectify that.
Medi Tresse founder Dr. Mary Wendel has hosted several informative webinars revolving around female hair loss treatments. Here are some new treatments that we recommend at Medi Tresse locations in and around New York City and Boston (and some that we don't!).
Trial studies show that intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) can relax the muscles and increase blood flow in a balding scalp, according to the NIH. Botox is a common treatment for androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both men and women (male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, colloquially). In recent studies, 75 percent of patients saw improvement, with improved hair counts of 18 to 20 percent.
Here at Medi Tresse, however, we only use Botox on patients that have trichotillomania. This disorder causes people to pull out their hair on their head or in other places, such as their eyelashes or eyebrows.
In general, there are some drawbacks to the use of Botox injections for any kind of hair loss. Studies have largely only included men, and have had a small number of participants. The studies occurred outside of the United States, and the duration of the benefits are unknown. More randomized controlled trials need to be done on both men and women before considering this treatment for androgenic alopecia.
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads for hair growth is another potential new treatment for female hair loss. These are FDA-cleared, absorbable sutures that have been used for several years in the field of facial rejuvenation. These threads are injected into the face to stimulate collagen and elastin production to result in skin tightening and lifting. The suture then dissolves quickly on its own.
When it comes to using PDO threads for hair growth, they are injected into the scalp and then the inflammatory reaction stimulates new cell growth.
However, there haven’t been many studies done on this and the results that are out there are mostly anecdotal. There has been one randomized controlled trial that revealed significant improvements in hair thickness and hair loss rates as compared with the placebo group. The results last up to a year, and only one treatment is needed.
These are extracellular sacs of fluid that contain proteins, RNA, DNA, lipids and metabolites that communicate between cells. Exosomes from stem cells in bone marrow, placenta cells, umbilical cells and fat tissue contain growth factors that stimulate new hair growth when injected into the scalp. While initial results seem promising, there is a need for further studies and clinical trials.
As the FDA has not approved exosomes for human use, we do not currently recommend them or use them at our offices.
Topical medications such as minoxidil are common in the treatment of hair loss, but there are oral versions as well. While results aren’t significantly better than topical treatments, some women feel they are more likely to remember to take a daily pill than apply a daily topical. Oral minoxidil works best when combined with Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
Researchers have performed several studies on the efficacy of oral minoxidil for hair loss in women. In low doses, it may be a safe alternative to topical minoxidil, which typically has a low compliance rate. Topical minoxidil can cause scalp irritation.
Finasteride and Spironolactone are other possible medications to use for female hair loss.
Spironolactone, a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists, is available in tablet form. Like Finasteride, it decreases the production of hormones contributing to androgenetic alopecia. The FDA has approved this for treatment of fluid retention as a result of liver and kidney disease. They have not yet approved it for the treatment of female pattern hair loss due to alopecia, a type of hair loss that results from the overproduction of male sex hormones.
Hair loss specialists may prescribe Spironolactone when other treatments, mainly minoxidil, do not work. However, Dr. Wendel does not prescribe this for post-menopausal women. This is because their testosterone levels are already low and there is a risk of side effects with high-dose diuretics.
Finasteride is a class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It treats receding hairlines or balding in men by blocking male hormone production in the scalp that prevents hair growth. This once-a-day tablet can take up to six months to show results.
Women typically require higher doses, and see less dramatic results than men do. We would only recommend Finasteride for women who have no chance of pregnancy, as it can cause serious birth defects. Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer, or BRCA gene positivity, should not use Finasteride.
This continues to be an exciting time in the treatment of hair loss with new studies to help women regain their confidence. Stay tuned for updates in the future on potential new treatments.
There’s never been a better time to take advantage of the latest technologies in female hair loss treatments. As your female hair loss medical experts, Medi Tresse can connect you with the right treatments. To learn more about how we can help you, schedule your consultation now at the location of your choice.
