Herbal Treatments for Female Patterned Hair Loss
Experts point out that a healthy diet is important to healthy hair. A diet rich in the following is particularly important for menopausal women since age increases the risk of hair loss: 378
- Complex carbohydrates
- Low glycemic index foods
- Proteins (for amino acids)
- Minerals
- Vitamins
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FEMALE |
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HERB or FORMULA |
HOW IT WORKS |
A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, BeauTop may help some people with androgenic hair loss. It contains the following natural extracts: 376
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| Made with cocoa, lemon, onion extracts, the topical lotion significantly regrew hair in women in a clinical study. The clinical trial lasted 6 months, and was randomized and placebo controlled. 372 | |
Compared to placebo or 3% minoxidil, DA-5512 significantly promoted healthy hair and hair growth after 16 weeks of use in a small clinical trial. 345 DA-5512 is made from 6 herbal extracts: 345
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Made with extracts from chaparral and arabica coffee. 371 In a small clinical trial, the botanical spray reduced hair loss and improved the appearance of hair, especially in patients with androgenic hair loss. 371 |
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| Inhibits conversion of testosterone to DHT. 37 | |
| Multiple clinical studies show topical melatonin significantly reduces hair loss in women with androgenic hair loss. 373 | |
Preclinical research suggests that NPE made from the following 7 herbs may work as well as minoxidil without the adverse side effects: 375
These botanicals and herbs contain many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. 375 |
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The following herbal combination reduces the expression of IL-1α in hair follicle cells, and may be beneficial in treating female AGA, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata: 370
The IL-1α gene directly inhibits growth of hair follicle cells and contributes to thinning hair. Chemical analysis of the above antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs show they contain beneficial vitamins and nutrients, including: 370
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| Inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzymes. 95 | |
TRINOV lotion contains compounds derived from soybeans, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and a metabolite of L-carnitine. 374 In a small clinical trial topical application of the lotion daily significantly regrew hair. Hair growth was noticed after one month. 374 |
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It should be noted that not all treatments that work for male androgenic hair loss will work in women (and vice versa). For example, results from a clinical trial showing that topical rice bran extract helped regrow hair in men showed no statistically significant benefit in women. 377
Substances to Avoid
Some herbs and nutritional supplements may actually worsen androgenic hair loss in women and should be avoided:
HERBS & NUTRIENTS THAT MAY INCREASE |
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HERB/NUTRIENT |
WHY? |
| DHEA is a precursor to androgen hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. Excess androgen effects such as hair loss have been noted in women taking 200 mg/day of DHEA. However, DHEA may be helpful if you have adrenal deficiency. 96 | |
| May increase androgenic effects by stimulating production of testosterone, which converts into DHT (an androgen known to play a role in hair loss). 98 | |