HAIR LOSS TREATMENT FOR WOMEN

One prescribed hair loss treatment for women is spironolactone. It is marketed as Aldactone, Aldactazide, and Novo-spiroton. This drug is classified under potassium-sparing diuretics and is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, treat swelling or edema, and removing excess body fluid. It’s also been utilised for the treatment of excessive hair growth in women with PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease.

Spironolactone pills have been prescribed for some women, particularly those who experience hair loss prior to the onset of menopause. Studies show that around 13% of women will have some degree of hair loss just before menopause and becomes more common thereafter.

Spironolactone exerts its effect by working as an antiandrogen. An antiandrogen does not stop the production of androgens but instead inhibits the effects of these male hormones. In women, excess androgen can lead to hirsutism, acne, and female pattern hair loss.

Pattern hair loss in both men and women is caused by the action of the enzyme 5AR or 5-alpha reductase on androgens to produce dihydrotestosterone or DHT.

Hair loss can be controlled by taking antiandrogens such as spironolactone. The drug works by blocking the enzymes that convert male hormones to DHT, known as the most common cause of pattern baldness.

In female pattern hair loss, antiandrogens work by reducing hair thinning and hair shedding. There are also cases where hair is observed to grow thicker.

However, it will take many months before any considerable hair growth will be seen. As with most drug-based hair loss treatments, oral spironolactone has its side effects. It can cause digestive problems, nausea, headache, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and even allergic reactions.

Spironolactone as a hair loss treatment is not prescribed for men as it can cause breast enlargement and problems in sexual function. It is also not recommended in pregnant women, those with kidney disease and liver problems.