Hair Loss Drugs for Women

Discover the hair loss drugs women can safely use to combat thinning hair and balding.

Treatment Details

Description: Better known as Rogaine, this is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss. It stimulates hair growth in both men and women by overriding the symptoms associated with the condition.

Method of Use: Treatment involves daily application of liquid to affected area.

Suitable for: Men and women suffering from male pattern type hair loss. It may also help to a lesser extent in other types of hair loss including alopecia areata.

Main Ingredient: Minoxidil is a chemical that was first used to treat high blood pressure. It is available as a topical solution in varying strengths (2% and 5%). The 5% solution is approved only for men but many women use it without apparent side effects.

More Information: Minoxidil Factfinder


FINASTERIDE

Description: This is the approach of choice for many men and with good reason - it tends to work for most users.

More commonly known as Propecia, this is a powerful hair loss drug that works by inhibiting the formation of DHT in the system.

After several months of usage DHT levels remain sufficiently low to inhibit the adverse effects on the hair follicle, thus halting hair loss.

THIS TREATMENT IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE AS IT MAY CAUSE ABNORMALITIES TO THE MALE FETUS. Some physicians will prescribe finasteride to post-menopausal women diagnosed with male pattern type baldness. In many instances, the use of estrogens may be a more viable option for women but this is something that should be decided in consultation with your physician.

Method of Use: Treatment involves taking a single 1 mg pill each day for an indefinite period.

Suitable for: Men suffering from male pattern hair loss. It is not marketed for women and should be used only on the recommendation of your physician.

Main Ingredient: Each pill contains 1 mg of finasteride.

More Information: Propecia Factfinder