Will Minoxidil 5 % help treat androgenetic alopecia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) for the past 25 years. Now, I started Minoxidil 5 percent, but there is no regrowth. Can this be reversed by combining Minoxidil and hair laser? Is there any cure for this type of hair loss? Please give suggestions.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Female pattern androgenetic alopecia is tough to improve. However, the regular use of Minoxidil does help to make it better. You have to use five percent Minoxidil, 1 ml twice daily for at least three to six months to expect a response.

Hair growth is a slow process, and the initial hairs produced are fine vellus hairs, which cannot be appreciated by the naked eye. It will take at least three months to note an increase in hair density and six months to find a satisfactory response. Also, kindly rule out underlying hormonal etiology.

Investigations to be done:

1) Thyroid profile.

2) FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone).

3) Serum free testing.

4) USG (ultrasound) pelvis.

I hope this helps.

Take care.