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Let’s talk about our hair for a second.
Some of us are fortunate and will keep every strand. Most of us won’t.
As we grow older, losing our hair is a shared experience that still can lead to anxiety, embarrassment, and isolation. But treatments do exist, and many of them can be effective. From hair transplants to laser combs, special shampoos to dietary supplements, there are things you can do to slow down, disguise, and—in some cases—completely reverse your hair loss.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common prescription and over-the-counter hair loss medications for men and women. Do they work? Who can use them? Should you ask your doctor about trying one? We cover it all here.
What causes hair loss as we age?
Several factors increase the odds that we’ll lose at least some of our hair as we age, including:
Hormonal changes
Throughout life, our hormones and how they function are closely related to our hair and how it grows—or doesn’t. Estrogen, androgen, testosterone, cortisol, melatonin, and others all play a role in regulating the hair cycle and the health of our hair follicles.1
Specifically, certain age-related changes to these hormones are known to cause hair loss. Women who go through menopause experience plummeting levels of estrogen; men who go through andropause experience declining levels of testosterone. While research continues to seek and understand the many complex ways these hormones interact with our hair follicles, the association is clear. More than half of postmenopausal women report thinning hair; closer to 60% of men do by the time they’re 50, with the severity of loss increasing alongside age.2,3
Genetics
It’s an often-repeated nugget of wisdom: if you’re bald or losing your hair, you can blame your mother’s side of the family. As it turns out, the truth is a little more nuanced than that.
Yes, the most common form of hair loss among men and women is hereditary.4 But whether or not it happens to you depends on genes that come from both of your parents. It also depends on a combination of other environmental and hormonal factors, many of which scientists are still working to understand.5 Still, if your hair is thinning, look around at your family members. If their hair is thinning, too—and there’s no other obvious cause for your hair loss—you can safely assume you’ve inherited it.
Nutritional deficiencies
As we advance in our years, we need fewer calories to fuel our body’s daily functions. That means the food we do eat needs to pack a nutritional punch.
At the same time, age-related changes to our digestion—as well as some chronic diseases and medications—can make it harder to get the vitamins and minerals we need.6 And certain deficiencies are linked to hair loss. The most common ones among adults age 65 and older include:6,7,8
- Protein. Abnormally low protein levels can cause brittle hair and hair shedding.
- Iron. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia; anemia can cause hair loss.
- Vitamin B12. Low levels of B12 also can lead to anemia and its related hair loss.
- Calcium. Low calcium doesn’t cause hair loss directly, though it may be related.
Medication side effects
Certain prescription drugs—from antidepressants to cancer chemotherapies—can cause people of all ages to lose their hair.
Still, some medications are more prevalent among those of us age 50 and older. And it’s helpful to be aware of which ones might lead to hair loss. These include9:
- Blood thinners. Doctors commonly prescribe these for A-Fib and other heart arrythmias.
- Statins. Doctors prescribe these to address high cholesterol.
- Anti-hypertensives. You may take one for high blood pressure.
Medical conditions
Our chances of developing health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and malnutrition increase with age. Both the conditions themselves—and some of their treatments—can make us lose our hair.
If you’re shedding more strands than seems normal, talk to your doctor. It could be due to one of the following:
- Thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones help regulate hair growth, and unusually high or low levels of them can impact the health of your follicles.10
- Diabetes. Changes to the way insulin (another hormone) works in your body can slow down or stop your hair growth cycle.11
- Stress. Age-related changes such as retirement, chronic illness, or the loss of a loved one can spike cortisol levels, which in turn can trigger hair loss.12
What medications are FDA-approved for hair loss?
Currently, there’s no “miracle drug” that will restore your youthful head of hair. That said, several prescription-strength and over-the-counter medications can effectively slow, stop, and even reverse hair loss in some people. Will they work for you? A lot depends on your type of hair loss; any health conditions you may have; and any medications you may take, among other things. Your primary care provider or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin and scalp conditions) can help you understand the risks and benefits of trying one of the following treatments:
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine®) is available over-the-counter and approved for use by both men and women.
How to use it
Minoxidil is a topical medication that you apply directly to your scalp. You can get it in two different forms (a liquid or a foam) and at two different strengths (2% or 5%).
How it works
While doctors and scientists don’t fully understand why, minoxidil stimulates new hair growth by increasing blood flow to your follicles.
Effectiveness
Minoxidil is widely regarded as one of the best hair loss medications for men and women. Studies show that it can successfully treat many common forms of age-related hair loss. For best results, you have to apply it twice per day; and it can take several months before you notice any positive difference.
Pros and cons
The biggest challenge with minoxidil is having patience and sticking with it. To be most effective, you need to continue using it indefinitely—otherwise, your hair will likely start falling out again. Some people also experience scalp irritation. If this happens to you, check the list of inactive ingredients; many generic brands mix the drug with herbal supplements and other additives that might cause redness and itch. You also can try switching to a lesser strength (2% rather than 5%).
Safety tips
There are no specific contraindications for (reasons not to use) topical minoxidil. While the FDA has approved it for adults ages 18-65 only, that’s mainly because its effectiveness drops after age 65. Otherwise, take reasonable precautions: avoid getting the liquid or foam in your eyes or mouth; don’t apply it anywhere but your scalp; and wash your hands immediately after using it. Your health care provider can go over the list of ingredients with you and identify any potential concerns specific to you.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride (brand name Propecia®) is available by prescription and only approved for men.
How to use it
Finasteride is a pill you take once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Depending on your doctor’s prescription, these pills may be 1 mg or 5 mg each.
How it works
Oral finasteride interferes with your body’s production of DHT—a sex hormone that can destroy your hair follicles.
Effectiveness
Finasteride is among the best hair loss treatments for men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA, or male-pattern baldness) specifically.13 It can take between 4-12 months to start working, however. Your doctor will monitor your results and determine whether it makes sense for you to continue taking it.
Pros and cons
Since finasteride is a pill, it’s pretty easy to stick with on a day-to-day basis. However, like minoxidil, it requires a life-long commitment. In addition, some men experience unwanted side effects including reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and/or depression. Talk to your doctor about reducing your dose or changing treatment if any of these happen to you.
Safety tips
The FDA first approved finasteride to treat prostate enlargement. As a result, many men take it—and it’s generally considered safe no matter your age (though its effectiveness may drop). That said, any oral medication you take gets processed through your liver; if you have liver disease or take other prescription drugs, your doctor can help you identify any concerns or potential interactions.
Besides medications, are there any vitamins or supplements for hair loss?
In short, yes. There are quite a few available by prescription and over the counter—with varying degrees of effectiveness. As always, it makes sense to ask your doctor about these. Some only work for specific types of hair loss; your type may not be one of them. Others may interact with certain prescription medications or may not be recommended if you have one or more specific underlying conditions.
The most common hair loss supplements include:
Biotin
This B vitamin helps your body produce keratin: a protein that’s important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It stands to reason, then, that taking a biotin supplement—or using hair products that contain biotin—can help address hair loss. Or does it?
Yes and no. It’s important to know that biotin does not work like minoxidil or finasteride, both of which can regrow hair. Biotin won’t do that. But it might prevent you from losing hair. And it could help keep the hair that you do have looking its best. Study results are mixed and scientists still don’t fully understand why or how biotin works for hair loss. The good news? It generally doesn’t hurt to try a biotin supplement or topical treatment.
Zinc
Like biotin, the mineral zinc is essential to keratin. If you have a zinc deficiency—either because you don’t get enough of it in your diet, or you have a condition that prevents you from absorbing it—your hair can suffer.
That said, the jury is out on whether or not zinc supplements are useful for hair loss. And there are some risks to be aware of. For starters, taking too much zinc can actually cause your hair to fall out. It also can lead to gastric symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and belly pain.
Research shows a strong link between low levels of vitamin D and hair loss. In particular, being deficient in vitamin D can cause telogen effluvium (large-scale shedding, usually due to environmental factors); alopecia areata (an inflammatory condition that leads to recurring areas of patchy hair loss); and even pattern baldness.
There are many reasons to be sure you’re getting enough vitamin D. When it comes to hair, however, the science remains unclear. Like biotin and zinc, vitamin D supplements might help with your hair loss—and they might not. If you’re not deficient, taking vitamin D likely won’t regrow your hair or keep it from falling out. If you are deficient, there may be an underlying condition that you need to address. That condition itself, rather than your vitamin D deficiency, could be causing your hair loss.
Saw palmetto
Extracted from palm trees, this supplement seems to work similarly to finasteride—at least according to early research. Its natural compounds help block DHT, which is the sex hormone linked to male pattern hair loss.14
Is it effective? Some small initial studies suggest it is. Men who used a topical treatment or took an oral supplement reported decreased hair loss and increased density compared to those who didn’t.14 Side effects generally are minimal, too, which means you likely can give it a try. Your doctor can tell you for sure.
Are there any other prescription medications and treatments for hair loss?
The following treatments aren’t specifically intended to address hair loss—but they have shown some promise for men and women. These include:
Spironolactone
This diuretic (water pill) also demonstrates anti-androgen properties.15,16 (Recall that androgen is a male sex hormone linked to pattern baldness). Doctors often prescribe it for women whose hair loss does not respond well to topical minoxidil.
Corticosteroids
Some hair loss happens because of autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and lupus. Topical and injectable steroids that suppress the immune response often can help slow down or stop related hair loss, too.16
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP is an expensive treatment that uses components of a person’s own blood to stimulate healing. Doctors typically use it treat muscle and bone conditions. When injected into the scalp, it lately shows promise for treating AGA as well.17
What about over-the-counter and natural therapies for hair loss?
Walk down the health and beauty aisle of any pharmacy or grocery store—or visit your favorite retailer online—and you’re sure to find a section devoted to at-home hair loss remedies.
From shampoos and serums containing biotin, saw palmetto, and niacin; to essential oils like rosemary and peppermint; and even products with caffeine and copper … there’s no shortage of choices. And generally, there’s no harm in trying them.
Look for products without too many harsh ingredients, like alcohol and sulfates or sulfides. These can irritate your scalp. If you’re going to use rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree extracts, spend the extra money for full-strength versions; you can dilute them at home with olive oil one treatment at a time. And beware of false claims and outright scams. If you see a product that boasts remarkable results on its packaging, do a little research first before you buy. The FDA doesn’t regulate many OTC hair loss treatments; unscrupulous companies bet on the fact that you’ll make an impulse purchase based on emotion rather than fact. Finally, be wary of buying hair loss products on social media. This is a common phishing tactic. If you see an ad on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X, it’s best practice not to click through to buy. Search the company or product name separately and—if they exist—go directly to their website instead.
FAQ
Is hair loss reversible?
In some instances, yes. Certain illnesses, prescription drugs, and environmental factors—like stress or a nutritional deficiency—can cause temporary hair loss. When you address the underlying condition, your hair likely will regrow. In other instances, specific medications can slow down, stop, and even reverse hair loss. Your primary care doctor or dermatologist can help determine why you’re losing your hair and which treatments may be effective.
Can women use finasteride?
Yes, with caveats. Finasteride is most commonly prescribed for men with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness)—but it also can be effective for some women. Generally, women who are able to become pregnant should not take or handle this drug; it’s known to cause birth defects.
Are hair loss supplements safe to use with other medications?
Only your doctor knows for sure. Before you try any over-the-counter hair loss remedy, it makes sense to check with your primary care provider.
Sources
1. Rishin Hasan, et al. Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disorders on Hair Growth. Cureus. Dec. 20, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.cureus.com/articles/126109-effects-of-hormones-and-endocrine-disorders-on-hair-growth#!/
2. Sukanya Chaikittisilpa, MD, et al. Prevalence of female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. Menopause. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2022/04000/prevalence_of_female_pattern_hair_loss_in.7.aspx
3. Krupa Shankar, DS, et al. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Population-Based Study in 1,005 Patients. International Journal of Trichology. July-December 2009. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/ijot/fulltext/2009/01020/male_androgenetic_alopecia__population_based_study.9.aspx
4. Hereditary-patterned baldness. Harvard Health Publishing. Feb. 15, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/hereditary-patterned-baldness-a-to-z
5. Medline Plus. Androgenetic alopecia. July 27, 2023. Found on the internet at https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#causes
6. Aimra Kassis et al. Nutritional and lifestyle management of the aging journey: A narrative review. Frontiers in Nutrition. January 23, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1087505/full
7. Kelly Burch. How Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss. March 22, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.verywellhealth.com/which-vitamin-deficiency-causes-hair-loss-8404859#
8. Cleveland Clinic. Low Protein in Blood (Hypoproteinemia). Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/low-protein-in-blood-hypoproteinemia
9. Stephanie Watson. Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss. September 18, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/drug-induced-hair-loss-2
10. Ramadan S. Hussein, et al. Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Hair Disorders. Cureus. August 10, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cureus.com/articles/163656-impact-of-thyroid-dysfunction-on-hair-disorders#!/
11. Stephanie Watson. Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? Healthline. July 11, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.healthline.com/health/does-diabetes-cause-hair-loss
12. Sekyu Choi, et al. Corticosterone inhibits GAS6 to govern hair follicle stem-cell quiescence. Nature. March 15, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8923613/
13. Victoria Stokes. Topical Finasteride for Hair Loss: How Well Does it Work? Healthline. December 13, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.healthline.com/health-news/topical-finasteride-for-hair-loss-how-well-does-it-work
14. Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. 5 Promising Uses and Benefits of Saw Palmetto. Healthline. August 13, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto-benefits
15. Robert H. Schmerling, MD. Treating female pattern hair loss. Harvard Health Publishing. April 8, 2024. Found on the internet at https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/treatments/medication-for-hair-loss
16. NYU Langone Health. Medication for Hair Loss. Found on the internet at https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/treatments/medication-for-hair-loss
17. Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS. Platelet-rich plasma: Does the cure for hair loss lie within our blood? Harvard Health Blog. May 11, 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/platelet-rich-plasma-does-the-cure-for-hair-loss-lie-within-our-blood-2020051119748#
