Women’s hair loss treatments compared: oral vs topical minoxidil, spironolactone, PRP, and low-level laser—who’s a candidate and what results to expect
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Hair thinning is common, especially in women, and can cause significant distress. Many options can slow hair loss and promote regrowth: over-the-counter topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral nutritional supplements, prescription spironolactone to reduce hormone effects on hair (also helpful for acne), oral minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections that use a person’s own growth factors. PRP is often combined with low-level red light therapy. Seeking care can help create an effective, personalized plan.
Topical minoxidil: A medication applied to the scalp that helps stimulate hair growth and slow hair thinning. Also sold under the brand name Rogaine.
Rogaine: A brand name for topical minoxidil, available over the counter to help promote hair growth.
Spironolactone: An oral prescription medicine that reduces the effect of certain hormones on hair follicles, helping hair regrow; it often helps acne as well.
Oral minoxidil: A pill form of minoxidil that can promote hair growth, used under medical supervision.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma): A treatment using a person’s own blood; concentrated platelets and growth factors are injected into the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Growth factors: Natural proteins in the blood that signal cells to grow and repair; in PRP, they are injected into the scalp to support hair growth.
Low-level light (red light) therapy: A noninvasive light treatment, often using red wavelengths, that can be used with other therapies to support hair growth.