An antiandrogen medicine used off-label for some women with female pattern hair loss.
Spironolactone blocks androgen effects and is used by dermatologists for acne, hirsutism and some cases of female pattern hair loss. It is not a standard male hair loss treatment because it can cause feminising side effects in men. In women, it is usually considered when androgen sensitivity or hyperandrogenic features are suspected, or as part of a combination plan. Side effects may include menstrual irregularity, breast tenderness, dizziness, fatigue and high potassium in susceptible patients. It is generally avoided in pregnancy and should be prescribed with appropriate medical review.
British Association of Dermatologists: Hair loss female pattern (androgenetic alopecia) — https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-female-pattern-androgenetic-alopecia; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 2, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08057-9; Kaiser M et al. Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Current Guidance and Unmet Needs, 2023 — https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S385861
