Pattern Hair Loss Support

What is pattern hair loss?

Pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is inherited hair thinning that affects both men and women. It develops gradually, and in men it is the most common kind of hair loss, affecting up to 50% of men by age 50 [1].

How it looks

In men, thinning usually begins at the temples and the top of the head, which reshapes the hairline. In women, hair usually thins across the crown, and the front hairline is often kept [2]. Women tend to lose hair less severely than men [1].

What the FDA has approved

Minoxidil is sold over the counter. FDA labeling covers a 5% solution for men with thinning on the top of the scalp, and a 2% solution for women [3]. Finasteride, a 1 mg tablet sold as Propecia, is approved for men only and is not indicated for use in women [4]. Minoxidil labels say continued use is necessary to keep the regrowth, or hair loss will begin again [3].

When it may not be pattern hair loss

Minoxidil labels tell people not to use it if hair loss is sudden or patchy, if the cause of the hair loss is not known, or if the scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful [3][5]. A provider can confirm what is causing the hair loss.

Approved options exist: minoxidil sold over the counter, and finasteride tablets for men [3][4]. When a prescriber wants minoxidil and finasteride together in one scalp solution, a compounding pharmacy can prepare it.

• A scalp solution with minoxidil and finasteride in TrichoSol, a water based base made by Fagron
• Strength of each medicine set by the prescriber

The FDA states that there is no FDA approved topical finasteride, and that compounded topical finasteride products lack FDA approved labeling and carry potential serious risks [6]. Talk with your prescriber about those risks before starting.