1. What is female pattern baldness (FAGA)?

Female Androgenetic Alopecia (FAGA), like male AGA, is related to hormone balance and heredity, but the pattern of hair loss progression is different. The main characteristics of FAGA are as follows

• Overall thinning: Women often experience slow thinning of hair on the top of the head, and less pronounced recession in the frontal and M-shaped areas as in men.
• Decreased hair volume: Hair is generally thinner and often loses volume.
• Causes: FAGA tends to develop after a decrease in female hormones, especially after menopause, and can also be caused by stress, poor nutrition, and disease.

2. Treatments available at women-only AGA clinics

Clinics that specialize in treating women’s thinning hair typically offer different treatments than those for men’s AGA. The main treatment options are as follows

(1) Topical (minoxidil)

• Minoxidil is an ingredient that stimulates blood circulation and activates hair follicles, and is widely used in the treatment of thinning hair in women. In particular, a 2% concentration of minoxidil is often recommended for women.
• Use: Minoxidil prescribed by the clinic is applied to the scalp to facilitate the distribution of nutrients to the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

(2) Internal medicine

• In women, medications such as spironolactone, which suppresses the effects of male hormones, may be prescribed. This medication reduces the effect of male hormones (androgens), thereby reducing the progression of thinning hair.
• Finasteride and dutasteride are drugs that suppress the action of male hormones, but they are not used for women who may become pregnant.

(3) Mesotherapy (injection therapy)

• Mesotherapy is a treatment in which drugs containing growth factors and vitamins are injected directly into the scalp. This activates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
• Generally, the procedure is performed at the clinic every few weeks.

(4) Hair Transplant Treatment

• Women may also be treated with hair transplantation if their hair is thinning. By transplanting the patient’s own hair follicles into the thinning area, natural hair regrowth can be expected.

(5) Improvement of lifestyle

• Stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep may be involved in the progression of FAGA, so the clinic may provide lifestyle changes and nutritional guidance.

3. How to choose an AGA clinic for women

The following points are important for women to consider when choosing an AGA clinic

(1) Choose a clinic specializing in women or exclusively for women.

• If there are clinics that specialize in treating women’s thinning hair or have a women-only clinic, they can be chosen to receive more appropriate care.

(2) Clinics with experienced doctors

• Female pattern baldness (FAGA) differs from male pattern baldness, so it is important to have a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. In particular, it requires comprehensive treatment that takes into account factors such as genetics, hormones, nutrition, and stress.

(3) Enhancement of counseling

• Choose a clinic that provides thorough counseling during the first consultation and proposes treatment according to the patient’s concerns and wishes. Clinics that recommend unreasonable treatment should be avoided.

(4) Treatment costs

• Since hair loss treatment is often a long-term process, it is important to confirm the cost of treatment in advance.It is best to choose a clinic that clearly presents the cost of the treatment, including the initial consultation fee, the cost of treatment, and the cost of medications.

4. Points for attention

Women should be especially aware of the possibility of pregnancy when using medications related to male hormones. Medications such as finasteride and dutasteride cannot be used in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, so it is important to discuss these points with your physician.

5. Summary

AGA clinics for women offer treatments specific to the characteristics of female pattern baldness (FAGA).Treatment options include topical minoxidil, hormone-regulating drugs, and mesotherapy, chosen according to the patient’s situation. In selecting a clinic, it is important to focus on a professional doctor’s diagnosis and a safe and comfortable environment.

記事の監修者

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岡 博史 先生

CAPラボディレクター

慶應義塾大学 医学部 卒業

医学博士

医師