Managing Androgenetic Alopecia in a 23-Year-Old Female in Houston, TX
Hair loss in young women can be distressing, especially when it is progressive, stubborn, and poorly responsive to initial treatment. At Reena Jogi MD in Houston and Katy, Texas, we specialize in personalized, medical approaches to treating hair loss, including complex cases of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Today, we’re sharing the story of a 23-year-old female patient navigating her journey with AGA and how a multi-modality approach is helping manage her symptoms.
Patient Background
Our patient, a healthy 23-year-old woman, first presented in April 2024 with concerns about diffuse thinning on her scalp. She had no significant medical history but did report a family history of hair loss. On initial evaluation, she was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia—also known as female pattern hair loss—based on the clinical appearance and dermatoscopic findings.
We initiated treatment with:
Spironolactone 50 mg twice daily – a hormonal modulator effective in reducing androgen-related hair shedding in women.
Oral minoxidil 2.5 mg daily – a systemic vasodilator known to improve hair density and slow progression of AGA.
Follow-Up Evaluation
Four months later, she returned for follow-up. She reported good tolerance of the medications but was disappointed by a lack of noticeable regrowth. This is not uncommon—AGA treatments often take six months or longer to show visible improvement.
We performed a scalp examination using a dermatoscope, which continued to support the diagnosis of AGA. While no major shedding was observed, the patient still noted gradual thinning.
Given her limited progress, we:
Increased the oral minoxidil dose to 2.5 mg once daily (from the previous half-tab)
Continued spironolactone 50 mg BID
Discussed next-tier treatment options: PRP therapy, Alma TED ultrasound-based hair restoration, and supplements like Nutrafol and Viviscal
Offered a scalp punch biopsy to rule out concurrent diagnoses if improvement remains limited
A lab slip was provided to assess baseline labs before continuing the current regimen, with plans to consider further interventions if needed.
What Makes This Case Unique?
This patient represents a common but often overlooked demographic: young women dealing with hormonally driven hair thinning. Her lack of side effects from oral therapies makes her a good candidate for long-term management, and her willingness to pursue advanced therapies such as Alma TED or PRP ensures a proactive treatment approach.
Our Approach at Reena Jogi MD
At our Houston and Katy offices, we treat the root cause of hair loss using evidence-based medicine. Whether it's through prescription therapies, regenerative procedures like PRP, or innovative non-invasive options like Alma TED, we tailor every plan to your unique hair biology.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning, schedule your consultation with us! The earlier we intervene, the better your outcome.
