Addressing the Root Causes of Female Hair Loss and Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Female hair loss affects over 50% of postmenopausal women, with up to 40% of healthy women experiencing frontal/parietal hair loss, often beginning around reproductive age. Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent form of hair loss. Other types include alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Hair loss can severely impact a woman's psychological well-being, yet treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remain limited to topical minoxidil and oral Janus kinase inhibitors. This manuscript reviews the multifaceted causes of female hair loss, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, aging, and oxidative stress, and explores non-pharmaceutical interventions. Saw palmetto, horsetail, and pumpkin seed oil, all of which inhibit 5α-reductase, show promise in promoting hair density and reducing hair follicle miniaturization. Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to improved hair and scalp health. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D, and essential minerals, also play a significant role in hair loss, underscoring the importance of a balanced diet and conservative supplementation. Avoiding excessive supplementation, especially with biotin, is recommended due to potential diagnostic test interferences. With increasing demand for non-pharmaceutical options, identifying natural, safe, and effective treatments for female hair loss is imperative. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of these interventions.