Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Adult Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Using 5% Topical Minoxidil.

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, genetically predisposed condition that begins after puberty and whose frequency increases with age; although biologically benign, AGA can impact patients both psychologically and socially, contributing to an impairment on their quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the psychological, social, and quality of life impairments inherent in women with AGA using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months.

DESIGN

Thirty-one women with diffuse central hair thinning and shaft miniaturization who were using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months responded to a clinical questionnaire and underwent trichoscopy.

RESULTS

83.9 percent (n=26) of the participants reported they were satisfied with the 5% minoxidil treatment and its convenience. Hair loss influenced social life in 54.8 percent (n=17) of the respondents and choice of hair cut/hairstyle in 87.1 percent (n=27) of respondents. For 51.6 percent (n=16) hair loss was slightly increased, although it did not increase after beginning treatment. A frontoparietal pattern (74.2%, n=23), very low capillary density (61.3%, n=19), trichodynia (32.3%, n=10), and negative traction test (100%, n=31) were also observed. Miniaturization occurred in 100 percent (n=31) of patients, frontal/occipital hair thickness was reduced in 83.9 percent (n=26), and more than 10 percent of velus hair in the frontal area was observed in 83.9 percent (n=26) of patients. The number of hair shafts per follicular unit was reduced in 67.7 percent (n=21), and a higher frontal to occipital ratio of follicular units with one hair shaft was seen in 74.2 percent (n=23) of patients. Empty follicles, large numbers of peripillar brownish halo, scalp pigmentation, mild Ludwig's baldness degree, and quality of life scores of 4±3.5 points were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that patient satisfaction and quality of life of women with AGA on 5% topical minoxidil are high, although hair loss influences daily habits and social life.