These women may have hair follicles that are genetically programmed to be extra sensitive to testosterone, which causes them to produce thinner - and eventually, no - hair, says Dr. Deborah Scott, a dermatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
The first treatment, Scott says, is Rogaine (minoxidil), which must be used continuously to sustain any benefit. If it does not make new hair grow, it can help slow hair loss.
Propecia (finasteride) is used to treat hair loss in women in Europe, but is not government-approved here for that purpose. Studies suggest it does not work well in women, Scott says, though some doctors prescribe it, which they are allowed to do. Another option, though it, too, isn’t approved for this use, is Aldactone (spironolactone), a diuretic whose side effect is to block testosterone receptors.
Hair transplants are a good, but expensive, option, and not covered by insurance. The latest technique uses “micrografts,’’ meaning that hair follicles are surgically removed from one spot on the head - usually the back of the scalp - and inserted one or two hairs at a time in the bald area. While hair follicles in the crown of the head are often destroyed by testosterone, those at the back are not.
However, if your underlying problem is inflammation or infection, transplantation won’t help.
E-mail health questions to foreman@globe.com.
Clarification: The Health Answers column in Monday’s “g’’ section about female hair loss may have implied that Propecia (finasteride) is government-approved in Europe for treating hair loss in women. It is not, though doctors there are permitted to prescribe it for this purpose, and some do.
