Beyond Minoxidil: Is It Time to Rethink Female Hair Loss Treatment?
More than half of postmenopausal women, and a significant percentage of younger, healthy women, struggle with visible hair loss, often starting as early as their reproductive years. Whether it’s androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or scarring forms like lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, the psychological toll is undeniable. Yet, despite its prevalence, FDA-approved treatment options remain frustratingly limited.
This new review explores the complex causes of female hair loss—ranging from hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation to nutrient deficiencies and oxidative stress—and takes a deeper look at the rising interest in non-pharmaceutical strategies. Natural agents like saw palmetto, horsetail, and pumpkin seed oil show early promise in supporting hair density through 5α-reductase inhibition. Anti-inflammatory botanicals such as curcumin may also contribute to improved scalp health. And when it comes to nutrition, the evidence reinforces what many dermatologists already suspect: low iron, vitamin D, and essential mineral levels can significantly impact hair loss.
While patients increasingly seek natural and holistic solutions, dermatologists must weigh the science, and the safety. The review cautions against over-supplementation, particularly with biotin, due to risks of lab interference and lack of proven benefit.
As interest in integrative hair loss therapies grows, dermatologists are uniquely positioned to guide patients through the noise. Is your treatment approach evolving to meet this demand?
Read more about the potential and limitations of non-pharmaceutical interventions for female hair loss—and where future research is headed.
