Women are at same risk as men when it comes to the problem of hair loss. There are many treatments that can make a major difference; but the foremost thing is to know the reasons for hair loss by getting it diagnosed by an expert. You can choose from a variety of treatments available, some of which are developed specifically for women.

The most popular treatment is FDA-approved minoxidil (Rogaine), which was originally developed for male pattern balding. It extends the growth phase and help women to keep the hair you do have, longer. For women Minoxidil comes as a 2% solution. However, women may get better results with a stronger preparation, as a 2% solution is too weak. Women can use the 5% solution for better results. In a study when a 48 weeks of treatment with 2% and 5% minoxidil in women with female pattern hair loss was compared, it was found that 5% minoxidil showed better results in increasing hair count and evaluations of hair growth. While the 2% solution improved hair count, patients did not have a significant improvement in hair growth. In the study it was also found that women tolerated both the solutions without showing any serious side effects. 5% solution though had some side effects such as more itching, irritation and hair growth in areas other than the scalp. This can be remedied by the use of customized minoxidil preparations provided your doctor. Dermatologists generally recommend 5% minoxidil because it is much more effective than 2%.

Another medicine that helps women is finasteride, which was initially developed to treat prostate disease and later, hair loss in men. Prescribed under the names Propecia (1 mg strength) or Proscar (5 mg strength), these drugs taken orally, interfere with the process that converts testosterone to DHT in the hair follicle. These drugs are dangerous to foetus and hence FDA has approved them only for men. However, these drugs help a great deal in some cases and can be used by women who do not intend to get pregnant. Side effects include heavier growth around the hairline and a slight effect on libido. These side effects can be reversed after you quit drug or lower the dosage.

Aldactone is another treatment, which impacts the enzyme receptors in the hair follicle and impedes androgen-related hair loss. This can however cause breast tenderness and other side effects.

Other Options

There are specialists who have their own preparations to reduce the side effects of the drugs. A few use formulations containing two or more ingredients to increase effectiveness. You should visit a specialist, as you might need these specialized preparations. Brands favoured by hair loss specialists include Yasmin, Demulen, Desogen and Orthocyclen.

The Future

A new process, follicular neurogenesis, which is a kind of cloning leading to generation of new follicles, can also help people with the problem of hair loss. It is however still under development and may take years to become real. The method takes a sample of hair for micro dissection of follicles. Hair making cells are extracted and isolated. The cells are purified and cloned to make many cells and are then microinjected into the balding area. Another treatment in trial stage is Avodart (dutasteride). Avodart blocks two enzymes involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Small in-office trial on women who cannot get pregnant and on whom Proscar doesn't work is being conducted.

Advancement in hair transplant has now made it an option for women also. The latest technique involves removal of an entire strip of hair, dividing it into smaller sections and surgically placing it exactly where the hair is needed.

A word of caution!! Women should consider hair transplants only after a visit to a dermatologist, and after medications have failed.