DHT Blockers for Women’s Hair Loss: Options, Safety, and Side Effects

Hair loss can be a frustrating and challenging experience for women. 

If you're noticing thinning or bald spots and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. And there are solutions worth exploring, including DHT blockers for women. But are they safe? And how do they work?

In this article, we break it all down, covering DHT blockers like  finasteride and spironolactone. Plus, possible side effects and other treatment options.

First, let’s get into what DHT is. You’ve probably seen it mentioned when browsing hair loss treatments. But what is DHT? And what exactly does it do?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a male sex hormone (AKA androgen) that plays a significant role in the sexual development of people assigned male at birth (AMAB). It stimulates the development of male characteristics. 

Females also have DHT, but typically in much smaller amounts.

Hormonal imbalances can cause high DHT in females. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an example of a condition that can trigger high DHT. It’s also sometimes tough to diagnose, but affects roughly 5 to 15 percent of reproductive-aged females worldwide.

High DHT occurs when the ovaries create excess androgens like testosterone, triggering increases in DHT. Some people are more sensitive to DHT than others, so how it affects you can vary.

So, what happens when DHT levels are sky high in women?

If you have too much DHT, you might experience:

• Irregular periods

• Excessive facial hair (hirsutism)

• Acne

Experts believe male pattern hair loss happens when the enzyme 5α-reductase converts more testosterone than typical to DHT.

In women with FPHL, changes in androgen metabolism can play a role, though high androgen levels aren’t always to blame. 

Increased DHT activity at your hair follicles is one possible cause of hair loss. Some people are also more sensitive to DHT than others thanks to their genetics.

For DHT-sensitive folks, high levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle. Over time, these smaller follicles produce thinner vellus hairs, creating hair thinning or loss.

Unlike men, women typically don’t go entirely bald, but they may notice a wider part or a Christmas tree pattern of hair loss.

Check out our complete guide to learn more about hair loss in women.

DHT can mess with your hairline, so what’s the solution?

You might need a DHT blocker for women. Some medications and treatments can block DHT and help improve female hair loss.

Finasteride

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one DHT blocker for treating pattern hair loss: finasteride.

Finasteride is an oral medication also known by the brand name Propecia^®.

This medication works by inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT within the body. While finasteride doesn’t lead to a 100 percent reduction in DHT, it slows down hair loss considerably.

Here’s the catch: finasteride is currently an FDA-approved medication for pattern hair loss in men, not women. Currently, there aren’t any DHT blockers for women with FDA approval. 

Plus, most research on finasteride focuses on male pattern baldness, not female pattern hair loss.

Finasteride is a medication that can cause abnormalities in a male fetus if taken during pregnancy. It’s also not recommended for those breastfeeding.

Because of this, doctors usually prescribe finasteride off-label for hair loss. And typically only to postmenopausal women. Off-label use is when a healthcare provider prescribes a medication for a non-FDA-approved use. 

Want a deeper dive? We discuss finasteride and its side effects in our guide, Is Finasteride Safe for Women?

DHT-Blocking Shampoos and Supplements 

Ever noticed “DHT-blocking” on a shampoo bottle or hair-loss supplement? While it sounds promising, research on whether these products truly reduce DHT is still limited. 

That said, natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto are becoming  haircare favorites — almost as popular as biotin — thanks to their potential to support hair regrowth and block DHT.  

Saw Palmetto

In five clinical trials and two cohort studies, patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium showed considerable improvements when using topical and oral supplements containing between 100 and 320 milligrams of saw palmetto. About 60 percent reported improvement in overall hair quality, and roughly 83 percent saw increased hair density. And the studies suggest the risk of side effects is minimal.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

One 2021 study compared pumpkin seed oil and 5% minoxidil topical foam for FPHL over three months. Researchers found that daily treatments of both lead to increased hair growth, suggesting that pumpkin seed oil treatments may be as effective as minoxidil. But more research is needed to confirm the findings. 

Research shows that topical DHT blockers can effectively treat hormonal hair loss in women. These treatments work by blocking the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, reducing DHT levels in the body. 

Let’s take a look at the research in more detail.

Finasteride

A small 2013 study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that oral finasteride improved hair density in postmenopausal women with pattern hair loss.

Quick FYI: Participants took a 5-milligram dose versus the FDA’s approved 1-milligram dosage. Still, the research appears promising. 

Evidence also shows that topical finasteride can increase hair count. But there’s limited research involving women.

A 2020 placebo-controlled trial tested a 0.005% finasteride solution on 52 patients. Applied daily for 16 months, it significantly reduced hair shedding within six months, with results improving throughout the study.

If you’re struggling with hormonal hair loss after menopause, our hair growth spray might be an option for you. It combines topical finasteride and minoxidil to target FPHL.

Finasteride isn’t your only medication choice when it comes to treating female pattern hair loss. Let’s look at minoxidil and spironolactone.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (AKA Rogaine^®) is a topical and oral medication that helps stimulate hair growth. 

Though the science isn’t exactly clear on how it works, experts believe it may encourage your hairs to enter into the anagen phase (growth stage) of the hair growth cycle. 

Hers offers the following minoxidil treatment solutions:

• Minoxidil drops. This is a 2% strength formulation with an easy-to-use dropper. 

• Minoxidil foam. You can easily work this 5% foam version of minoxidil through hair. 

• Oral minoxidil. This once-daily pill is a convenient option for those who haven’t had much success with topical minoxidil.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a once-daily pill that helps target hormones (like testosterone) that cause excess hair shedding. 

Androgen binding leads to hair loss, and spironolactone helps inhibit this process. This makes it a potentially effective treatment for female pattern hair loss, especially for those with signs of high DHT.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses medical-grade lasers to stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to regrow hair.

It works to reduce hair thinning by increasing blood flow to the scalp and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.

While results can take time, consistent use of LLLT may help strengthen hair and reduce shedding. LLLT may even be more effective when you use it in combination with hair loss medications like minoxidil or finasteride.

Hair Transplants

If you’re dealing with significant hair loss or thinning, a hair transplant might be worth exploring. This procedure takes healthy hair follicles — usually from the back of your scalp — and transplants them to areas with thinning or no hair. 

With modern techniques like follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT), surgeons can create natural-looking results with precision. 

Hair transplants are typically an option when other treatments haven’t worked. But they can be pricey and require a skilled, experienced surgeon for the best results. 

Studies found no serious side effects with finasteride. 

Mild ones might include :

• Headache

• Depression

• Nausea

• Hot flashes

It’s worth noting that finasteride can slightly raise estrogen levels and may affect menstruation. Because of this, you shouldn’t use finasteride if you have a family or personal history of breast cancer.

Additionally, spironolactone may cause the following side effects in some women:

• Breast tenderness

• Increased urination

• High levels of potassium

• Menstrual cycle changes

While there’s no definitive research, adopting a healthier lifestyle can help support your overall health — and potentially healthy hair growth. 

One cross-sectional study on males with AGA found that a higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to more severe hair loss. 

While there’s no equivalent study involving women, it’s fair to assume the same is true in women. 

There’s also a link between smoking and androgenetic alopecia (AKA genetic hair loss) — plus, other health problems.

Want to tackle a receding hairline and achieve thicker hair? There are plenty of ways to go about it. 

But if you’re considering DHT blockers, especially as a woman, it’s essential to talk with a healthcare provider. They can guide you on the safest and most effective options for hair loss prevention and regrowth. 

Let’s recap what we know about DHT blockers for hair loss in women:

• DHT blockers like finasteride haven’t been approved by the FDA as treatments for hair loss in women. However, topical finasteride is safe for off-label use in postmenopausal women.

• Before menopause, other medications can help. Including spironolactone, which works by limiting all androgens, not just DHT.

• If you’re nervous about taking an oral medication, consider topical treatments for thinning hair. Hers offers both topical minoxidil and topical finasteride hair loss treatments.

Need some help with your game plan? Start your hair loss consultation today to help stop hair loss and gain control over your hair health.