Spironolactone for treatment of female pattern hair loss

Spironolactone in dermatology: uses in acne and beyond

“…Data from 70 women with FPHL treated with spironolactone (average dose 100 mg for a minimum of 6 months) was retrospectively examined. All patients had improved or sustained their initial Sinclair score, with an average score change of 0.65 9 …”

“…All patients had improved or sustained their initial Sinclair score, with an average score change of 0.65. 9 An analysis combining data from two studies (n = 17, n = 39) suggested that 74.3% of patients taking spironolactone had improvement or stabilization in their FPHL. 10 In an observational study (n = 100), combination therapy of spironolactone (25 mg/day) and oral minoxidil (0.25 mg/day) was shown to improve hair density and reduce hair shedding score at 12 months.…”

Efficacy and safety profile of oral spironolactone use for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review

“…4 Lower doses are used in women because hypertrichosis is a common adverse effect. 3 Our experience with more than 200 patients on oral minoxidil indicates that 0.5 mg daily is effective and very well tolerated.…”

“…Oral minoxidil has been used in the last few years as an off-label treatment both in male and in female pattern hair loss with good clinical efficacy. 2,3 Proposed doses are different in men than in women, with a range from 0.25 to 1 mg daily. 4 Lower doses are used in women because hypertrichosis is a common adverse effect.…”

Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review

“…Recent studies have shown promising results using combination therapies with minoxidil. A study showed that minoxidil and spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor blocker, in combination are an effective treatment option for FPHL 34 . Topical finasteride, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, and minoxidil combination therapy are also effective in treating FPHL.…”