Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 10/27/2009

Question
Hello!

I am suffering from female pattern baldness and would like to get some clear answers to the following questions. Thanks in advance!

1. What does it really mean when doctors say that AGA is reversible? How much hair can grow back with the right treatment? What we lost during the last six months / a year / two years...?

2. How much hair can grow back with minoxidil 5%? Only some strands here and there? Enough to cover the spots with thin hair? A certain percentage of what we used to have?

3. Can minoxidil make the remaining hair grow longer, by keeping it in the anagen phase?

4. Does a person who used to have very thick hair have a better chance to grow back some of it?

5. Can the hair loss stop even if it has lasted for many years?

Thank you!


Answer
1)In some patients the hair can grow back with the right medication.  Topical minoxidil 5% is the most effective for females.  However, you must give the scalp at least 9-12 months to see if it works
2)The growth rate depends on the individual. Some patient great results and others get very little growth.  There is no way to predict which patient will succeed.
3)I have never seen minoxidil keep the hair longer in anagen phase
4)If your hair is already thick you do have a better chance to grow hair.
5)The longer the hair loss has been in place the less likely it is to regrow hair.