Therapy of hereditary hair loss in women

Hereditary hair loss occurs much more often in men than in women. However, women usually suffer more from the problem because they feel hurt in their femininity. In addition, it is difficult for long-haired women to change to a short hairstyle, unlike most men.

Therapeutically, women have basically the same means at their disposal as men. However, women are not allowed to take finasteride; if taken during pregnancy, it can cause fetal malformation. In any case, Minoxidil is much more effective when applied to the scalp twice daily with a pipette or spray attachment.

There it ensures increased blood circulation and thus a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair roots. However, shortly after the beginning of the therapy with Minoxidil, there can be a reflexive hair loss, because the new hair displaces the old hair. However, such hair loss is considered to be proof of the effectiveness of the product.

When applied daily, first successes should be observed after three to six months. The biggest disadvantages of the treatment with Minoxidil are mainly in the awkward handling of the middle part of the hair. On the one hand it has to be applied twice a day, on the other hand the solution needs about one hour to be absorbed.

During this time, the scalp should not come into contact with shampoos or water, as this would impair the effect. An alternative to Minoxidil are preparations of the contraceptive pill. Although they are not as effective, they show visible results after regular use.

The pill’s mode of action is based on antiandrogens, which lower the hormone levels of male hormones such as testosterone and thus counteract hereditary hair loss. However, strict attention should be paid to the dosage, as no long-term studies exist to date. Furthermore, this type of therapy is designed exclusively for women and should therefore not be used by men.In the future, research will continue on gene therapy or other drugs that are supposed to stop hereditary hair loss.