It has been discovered that up to half of women undergo female pattern hair loss during their lifetime. Women who experience hair loss or thinning of hair can feel embarrassed and anxious. When the problem of hair loss in women is left untreated, it often becomes worse. But with the available methods and treatments specifically developed for the condition, they need not undergo such experiences. Here are three female hair loss remedy options that can help women deal with hair loss problems.
Finasteride
Finasteride (propecia) is a female hair loss remedy that has been approved for hair loss treatment in men. But it has recently been found to help improve hair loss problems in women when combined with oral contraceptives. Propecia has some side effects, albeit only 3%. Often, these side effects subside after constant use.
Finasteride in the female hair loss remedy works by blocking 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, which is the main cause of hair loss, binds to hair follicles, thereby restricting the ability of follicles to generate new and fully grown hair. If not treated, the bound follicles can only produce shorter hair for every growth cycle until such time when it is only capable of generating hair that’s barely visible. What finasteride does is to stop the conversion of testesterone into DHT, thereby stopping DHT from binding to the follicles.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used female hair loss remedy. It is a medication typically applied to the scalp to encourage growth of hair. Minoxidil is for daily use. The positive effects of the female hair loss remedy often appear in 2-4 months.
Though not always well accepted by patients, minoxidil is often effective since it is capable of recruiting hair at the follicles. The effect of this female hair loss remedy is more pronounced when it is used together with DHT inhibitors like propecia. When it comes to strength, a study shows that minoxidil 2% is effective for women as compared to 5%. The conclusion was drawn when the female hair loss remedy showed better effects at 2% than in the 5% concentration.
One hair loss remedy that is currently being used is a combination of a high concentration topical minoxidil, retonic acid, a topical spironolactone (or an anti-androgen that diminishes DHT), and a topical azelaic acid. It is recommended that a daily oral dose of finasteride be taken together with the regimen.
DHT Inhibitors
Women with hair loss problems can also opt for a female hair loss remedy with DHT inhibiting capabilities. There are products with DHT inhibitors that are specifically made as a female hair loss remedy for women. DHT inhibitors may be added with active ingredients like phyto-revitalizers that can also help deal with hair loss. DHT is a hormone produced by the body that causes damage to hair follicles. When the DHT is inhibited, hair follicles are able to grow again. Meanwhile, phyto-revitalizers are amino acids that are needed by hair follicles for proper growth. When added to a female hair loss remedy, DHT inhibitors and phyto-revitalizers can have more effective results.