[Study Summary - This medical report from Australian dermatologists shows how adding 5% minoxidil, otherwise known as Rogaine, improved the results in a woman suffering from androgenetic alopecia, or hormonally related hair loss.  The patient was already using spironolactone and adding the minoxidil had an additive effect and caused additional hair regrowth.   It’s been long known that an anti-androgen used in combination with minoxidil, gives better results than just using one or the other.   Spironolactone should not be taken by men because of its strong feminizing effects.   Men should use Propecia (finasteride) as an alternative.]

Treatment of female pattern hair loss with a combination of spironolactone and minoxidil.

Australas J Dermatol. 2007 Feb; 48
Hoedemaker C, van Egmond S, Sinclair R.
Department of Dermatology, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, and Department of Medicine and Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

A 53-year-old woman with clinical evidence of female pattern hair loss and histological evidence of androgenetic alopecia was initially treated with the oral antiandrogen spironolactone 200 mg daily. Serial scalp photography documented hair regrowth at 12 months; however, the hair regrowth plateaued, and at 24 months there had been no further improvement in hair density. Twice daily therapy with topical minoxidil 5% solution was then introduced and further regrowth documented, confirming the additive effect of combination therapy.

Source: PMID 17222303