Therapy of female androgenetic alopecia with minoxidil solution

Androgenetic alopecia in women has a lifetime incidence of 10-30%. The hair loss is caused by a genetically predetermined hypersensitivity of scalp hair follicles towards androgens, leading to progressive shrinking and eventual destruction of the hair follicle. The serum androgen level is usually normal. Clinically, hair loss is mainly seen in the midline scalp area, also called "female pattern" alopecia. There are only two effective treatments: systemic antiandrogens and estrogens, and topically applied 2% minoxidil solution.