Question QUESTION: I am a 55 year old woman who had an oophorectomy and hysterectomy 1 year ago. I am experiencing hair loss and thinning, especially in the crown area. I am currently taking 0.625 mg of Premarin (for 10 weeks) and 150 mg of Aldactone (gradually increased from 50 mg over 5 weeks). All of my blood tests are normal. Is there anything else you could suggest? Is there a particular shampoo that might help?
ANSWER: I would try over the counter Rogaine for Men. The reason you use Rogaine for Men is because it is stronger than the woman formulation. You may want to have a scalp biopsy to determine exactly what type of hair loss you have. You could have female pattern hair loss which is genetic in which case the only treatment is Rogaine. Shampoos are not effective for hair loss.
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QUESTION: I am concerned that Rogaine will cause more initial shedding and also, could result in facial hair.
Answer I have never seen increased hair shedding with Rogaine. It is very rare to get facial hair with topical Rogaine. If you do not want to use Rogaine there are no other treatments for hair loss that are effective. Propecia for men does not work with women.
