Choosing Your Hair Savior: Spironolactone vs Finasteride For Female Hair Loss
Spironolactone and Finasteride are medications not made for Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) but are widely popular as off-label medicines.
These medications are often compared for their efficacy in treating FPHL and for several other reasons too.
You may have also heard from your friends about any of these medications and how they helped to reduce hair loss.
However, as they are not approved as a treatment for FPHL, they should be carefully administered.
Continue reading to learn more about Spironolactone vs Finasteride for female hair loss.
An overview: Spironolactone vs Finasteride
| Aspect | Spironolactone | Finasteride |
|---|---|---|
| Common brand name | Aldactone | Propecia (Finpecia) |
| Mechanism of action | Blocks androgen receptors, inhibits androgen production | Inhibits conversion of Testosterone to DHT |
| Efficacy | Promising results, but individual responses may vary | Effective in Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), limited evidence in women |
| FDA approval status | Not FDA-approved for hair loss (off-label use) | FDA-approved for MPB (off-label use in women) |
| Dosage forms available | 25, 50, and 100 mg | 1 and 5 mg |
| Hormonal considerations | Suitable for women with signs of androgen excess | Primarily targets DHT, suitable for individuals with elevated DHT levels |
| Potential side effects | Breast pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, yellowing of eyes or skin, irregular heartbeat, Diarrhea, etc. | Breast pain, difficulty breathing, decreased sexual desire, Depression, rash, hives, etc. |
| Pregnancy concern | Generally not advised | Potential risk of birth defects |
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of Spironolactone involves blocking Androgen receptors and inhibiting the production of Androgens.
Doing so, it reduces the effects of Androgens on the hair follicles.
Androgens may contribute to hair loss in women by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the hair growth cycle.
Spironolactone’s anti-androgenic effect helps to potentially slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Finasteride is a medication that inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a more potent form of Testosterone and has been linked to hair loss.
Finasteride helps minimize DHT’s negative impact on hair follicles.
By maintaining lower DHT levels, Finasteride may slow the hair-thinning process in female hair loss associated with elevated DHT levels.
It is worth noting that while both medications target Androgens, their mechanisms of action differ.
Spironolactone primarily blocks Androgen receptors and inhibits Androgen production, while Finasteride reduces Testosterone conversion to DHT.
Recommended reading:Does Finasteride Lower Testosterone: Exploring the Link
Efficacy
The efficacy of Finasteride and Spironolactone has been studied differently for female hair loss.
A study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on the effectiveness of Spironolactone therapy on women with hair loss.
The results showed that Spironolactone was effective against female hair loss and showed signs of improvement.
82% of women continued with its use because of the good results.
Finasteride has also shown positive results for hair loss in females.
Although several studies state that a lower dose of Finasteride is not useful, a higher dose of this drug can be effective.
But remember, the efficacy of these medications may vary in different individuals.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for hair loss
Neither Spironolactone nor Finasteride is specifically FDA-approved for treating female hair loss.
Spironolactone is FDA-approved for other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, Edema, heart failure, etc.
Its use in female hair loss is considered off-label, meaning it is prescribed at the discretion of healthcare professionals based on their clinical judgment and knowledge.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for treating Male Pattern Baldness. Its use in women is generally considered off-label.
Recommended reading:A Complete Guide to Vitamins for Hair Loss and Hair Health
Dosage
The appropriate dosage of Spironolactone or Finasteride for female hair loss can vary depending on individual factors, including the severity of hair loss, the patient’s response to treatment, etc.
Spironolactone is available in different dosage forms. It ranges from 25 to 100 mg daily.
Whereas, Finasteride only comes in two dosage forms, which are 1 mg and 5 mg.
Potential side effects
The side effects of Finasteride and Spironolactone are mostly different.
But they have some similar side effects like breast pain, enlargement of breasts, and difficulty breathing.
Other potential side effects of Spironolactone for women are:
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling or being sick
- Muscle or leg cramps
- Feeling tired or low in energy
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhea
Women may face these side effects after administrating Finasteride:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Depression
- Changes in the breasts (increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge)
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the lips and face
Pregnancy concern
Spironolactone use during pregnancy is not fully supported.
It is categorized as pregnancy category C by the U.S. FDA, which means that adverse effects on the fetus have been observed in animal studies, but there is limited data available for humans.
However, the medication is often avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risk of feminization of male fetuses.
It may cause Gynecomastia (enlargement of breasts in males) if exposed during early development.
Finasteride, on the other hand, carries specific warnings regarding pregnancy.
The FDA categorizes it as pregnancy category X, meaning it has demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or positive evidence of human fetal risk.
Takeaway
Spironolactone and Finasteride are two popular off-label medications for female hair loss.
Both drugs have shown some promise in treating hair loss, although their efficacy may vary among individuals.
Spironolactone works by blocking Androgen receptors and inhibiting Androgen production, potentially slowing down hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Finasteride, FDA-approved for Male Pattern Baldness, has limited evidence in women.
It inhibits the conversion of Testosterone to DHT, a hormone associated with hair loss. Its effectiveness in women may vary, and higher doses may be required.
Both medications carry potential side effects, so being aware of them is crucial.
Additionally, pregnancy concerns should be carefully considered, as both drugs pose risks to fetal development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spironolactone help with female hair loss?
Spironolactone has shown promising results in some women with hair loss, particularly those with signs of Androgen excess. It works by blocking Androgen receptors and inhibiting Androgen production, potentially slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Can Finasteride help female hair loss?
Finasteride has limited evidence for female hair loss, but it may be effective in women with elevated DHT levels. By inhibiting the conversion of Testosterone to DHT, this medication may help slow down hair thinning.
What are the cons of taking Spironolactone?
There are some cons of taking Spironolactone, especially the potential risk of fetal damage during pregnancy. Other side effects include dizziness, muscle or leg cramps, Diarrhea, feeling sick, yellowing of eyes or skin, irregular heartbeat, etc.
What happens if a female takes Finasteride?
If a female takes Finasteride, it may promote hair growth but also have various side effects. It includes decreased sexual desire, changes in breasts, and mood disturbances. It is important to note that Finasteride is not FDA-approved for female hair loss and should be used under medical supervision.
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