Managing Androgenetic Alopecia in a 60-Year-Old Female Patient in Katy & Houston, Texas
At Reena Jogi, MD, we care for many women who experience hair thinning later in life. This case highlights a 60-year-old female patient from the Katy and Houston, Texas area presenting with moderate, gradual hair loss consistent with androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss).
Patient Background
The patient reported:
1 year of progressive hair thinning on the scalp
No scalp symptoms (no itching, burning, or pain)
Daily hair washing routine
A family history of hair loss in her father
Prior use of Nutrafol® for one year with mild regrowth of fine hairs
She had not previously undergone bloodwork or other medical evaluation for her hair loss.
Clinical Findings
On examination:
Patterned hair loss with diffuse thinning
Preservation of the frontal hairline, consistent with female pattern alopecia
Dermatoscopic exam supported the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia
Diagnosis
Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss) – Chronic, genetically driven thinning of scalp hair.
Treatment Plan
After reviewing treatment options—including topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride, low-level laser therapy, PRP, AlmaTED, and supplements—the patient elected to begin a combination therapy regimen:
Medications:
Oral Minoxidil 1.25 mg daily (½ of 2.5 mg tablet)
Oral Dutasteride 0.5 mg daily
Continue Nutrafol® supplement
Counseling:
Patient was counseled on possible side effects of oral minoxidil (ankle swelling, dizziness, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, unwanted hair growth, headaches) and advised to start at a reduced dose.
Risks of dutasteride were reviewed, including decreased libido, potential sexual dysfunction, and teratogenicity.
Patient was counseled on expectations: androgenetic alopecia is chronic and slowly progressive, but treatment can help stabilize hair loss and improve density.
Baseline photographs were taken, and she will follow up in 6 months to monitor progress.
Why This Case Matters for Women in Katy & Houston
Female pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in women over 50. Many women may notice a widened part, decreased density, and diffuse thinning, which can affect confidence and quality of life.
This case demonstrates the value of early diagnosis and combined medical therapy. By addressing hair loss with prescription medications and supplements, patients can achieve both stabilization and regrowth.
Key Takeaways:
Female pattern hair loss is genetically driven and progressive
Combination treatment with oral minoxidil and dutasteride may improve outcomes
Supplements such as Nutrafol can support scalp health and hair strength
Early intervention and consistent follow-up are key to long-term success
