Nothing works for hair regrowth. What are my options?

Question

I have taken Finasteride 5mg for 4 years and simultaneously minoxidil for most of that time. Absolutely no difference. (68 y.o. female.) Upon running out of minoxidil I found I lost less hair and that was after 3 years. . I therefore did not buy anymore. That I had used daily for close to 3 years. I feel I must lose about 50 hairs per day. I have extremely thin, fine hair, at best it was 60% more. I do take 50mg Levothyroxin. Is there anything that could possibly change all this or will I be one of the 10% of women going close to bald, where you see the scalp.? Plugs are too expensive and hair transplants, And, if you barely have enough areas, then that doesn't seem like a good plan and is very expensive. I tried PRP for 3 months. Did nothing.. Thank you for all suggestions.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your struggle with hair loss. It can be a very distressing condition, especially when treatments do not seem to be working. Here are a few considerations:
1. Levothyroxine: Make sure your thyroid levels are well-controlled, as both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can contribute to hair loss. Regular check-ups with your endocrinologist and routine blood work are necessary.
2. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins can contribute to hair loss. A blood test can help identify if you have any nutritional deficiencies that could be addressed.
3. Spironolactone: This is a medication that is sometimes used off-label to treat hair loss in women. It works by blocking the effects of androgens (hormones that can contribute to hair loss) on the hair follicles.
4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Some studies have suggested that LLLT can help stimulate hair growth. Devices for home use are available, though results can be variable.
5. Topical treatments: You've already tried minoxidil, but there are other topical treatments like ketoconazole shampoo and topical corticosteroids that can sometimes be helpful.
6. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): This is a non-surgical treatment where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles.
7. Hair Systems: High-quality wigs or hairpieces can be a practical solution for some women, and can look very natural.
Remember, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist before starting any new treatment. They can provide guidance based on a thorough understanding of your medical history and current health status. Hair loss in women can be complex and may require a multi-faceted treatment approach.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

You might try Nutrafol.  Also red light therapy has been shown to be effective.  Theradome makes a very nice helmet worn 2x/week.  I'd continue the topical as well.

Yixiu Zheng, MD · Answer

Hair restoration is multifactorial. At Renaissance medical, we make sure our customers have optimal hormonal level and nutrition. Renaissance medical also uses Aquafirmxs to detoxify the scalp and daily De/rive serum applications to hair follicles to stimulate stem cells regeneration of the hair. This procedure is painless. Other procedures including harvesting platelet rich plasma from the customer and injecting it back into the customer scalp.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. I understand your frustration. The first thing you should check is your bloodwork; a lot can be determined from that. Start there and take the appropriate action required. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Nothing works for hair regrowth. What are my options?

Answers (4)

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