REPORT: Efficacy of Treatments Compared for Female Pattern Hair Loss
As of July 2015, there have been no less than 47 reported studies on several popular topical treatments for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) that included approximately 5300 women ranging in age from 27 to 57. Within these studies, there were 3 small sub-studies on a topical treatment used for male hair loss. No age was provided on the ages of the 231 male participants. Twenty-one of the studies were viewed as bias-free, meaning that there were no outside influences, and 26 studies were financed by pharmaceutical firms which were viewed as having a moderate risk of being biased.
Each participant provided information about family history of hair loss. Additional pre-study information was collected on whether a person was pre or post-menopausal, how the impact of thinning hair affected their self-confidence, discomfort, emotional stress, and quality of life. In those cases where hair regrowth or improved density was noticed, the participants reported an improvement in their self-confidence and quality of life.
CATEGORIES OF STUDIES:
Minoxidil Compared to a Placebo:
In these studies twice as many women experienced moderate regrowth with the minoxidil than with the placebo. The mild side effects described by both group participants were: dermatitis, skin irritation, and itching scalp.
Minoxidil 2% Compared to Minoxidil 5%:
The results of these studies indicated that while there was an increase in hair regrowth, there were no significant benefits gained from the group using the higher concentration of minoxidil from the group using the lower concentration. The same mild side effects of dermatitis, skin irritation and itching scalp were reported by both female groups.
Finasteride Compared to a Placebo:
Three studies on the use of the male topical treatment, finasteride, compared to a placebo showed the same level of improvement. The mild side effects identified by both groups were the same, but the studies did not describe those comments.
Laser Comb Therapy Compared to Sham Therapy:
The results of these two studies revealed that both groups saw a healthy increase in hair regrowth. There were no side effects reported by either group.
FPHL is the most common hair problem for women, occurring most often at the front and over the top of the head. Topical hair treatments are similar to other health care routines; people must continue their routines in order to retain the benefits. Minoxidil is not recommended for lactating or pregnant women.
