Q:
What vitamins, minerals, hormones, etc. could one take that combat the natural thinning of hair due to aging? Specifically for a female who is 43 years old.
A:
Hair thinning can possibly be related to low thyroid or low iron changes metabolically, so those are labs that should be evaluated. It is most commonly genetic, however, and there are few proven therapies that are effective, in males or females. Rogaine topical solution (now over the counter) can help with restoring some soft, short hair growth in some people, but does have some potential side effects. Propecia, an oral medication, is not well studied in females. There is no evidence for vitamin, mineral, hormonal or herbal supplement benefit in hair loss or thinning.
~The Doc
