Pregnancy-Safe Hair Loss Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia:A Case Report of a 35-Year-Old Woman in Katy & Houston, Texas
Patient Presentation
A 35-year-old woman presented to Reena Jogi, MD as a new patient with concerns of chronic hair loss involving the scalp. She described moderate, diffuse thinning that had been ongoing for several years. The patient noted increasing concern as she is actively planning pregnancy and wanted to explore safe and effective hair loss treatment options while trying to conceive.
She denied scalp pain, itching, or scarring symptoms. Her primary goal was to stabilize hair loss and improve density without using medications that could affect fertility or pregnancy.
Clinical Examination
A focused dermatologic examination of the scalp was performed, including hair inspection and density evaluation. The patient was noted to have Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV and appeared well developed, well nourished, and in no acute distress.
Clinical findings demonstrated diffuse non-scarring hair loss with patterned thinning, consistent with female androgenetic alopecia, with a positive hair pull test indicating active shedding. These findings suggested overlapping telogen effluvium, a common contributor to worsening hair density in women.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Given the chronic nature of hair loss and the presence of active shedding, a comprehensive laboratory workup was ordered to evaluate for underlying or contributing causes, including:
Iron studies and ferritin
Thyroid function (TSH + Free T4)
Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and zinc levels
CBC, CMP, lipid panel
Free and total testosterone
Identifying and correcting deficiencies is especially important in women with hair loss who are pregnancy planning, as hormonal and nutritional factors can significantly impact hair growth.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with:
Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Telogen Effluvium (Diffuse Hair Shedding)
This combination is commonly seen in women and often requires a tailored, stepwise treatment approach, particularly when pregnancy is a consideration.
Pregnancy-Safe Treatment Plan
Because the patient is actively trying to conceive, medications such as oral minoxidil and spironolactone were avoided. After counseling, the following pregnancy-safe and fertility-friendly options were recommended:
Rosemary oil–based topical sprays
Nutrafol Women (pre-pregnancy formulation)
Prenatal vitamins to support hair and overall health
Low-level laser therapy (laser caps)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or AlmaTED hair restoration treatments
These can be safely used while trying to conceive and paused once pregnancy is confirmed, then restarted during nursing if appropriate
The patient was counseled that topical minoxidil may be considered prior to pregnancy, but should be discontinued once pregnant or nursing.
Counseling and Expectations
The patient was counseled extensively on the nature of female pattern hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia is genetically determined and slowly progressive
Improvement requires consistency and patience
Telogen effluvium is often self-limited once triggers such as nutritional deficiencies or stress are corrected
Early intervention helps preserve existing hair density
She was advised to contact the office if shedding worsened or failed to improve and to follow up once lab results were available to further personalize treatment.
Expert Hair Loss Care for Women in Katy & Houston, TX
At Reena Jogi, MD, we specialize in female hair loss, including cases involving pregnancy planning, hormonal changes, and chronic shedding. Our clinic offers both medical and non-medication hair restoration options, allowing patients to safely address hair loss at every stage of life.
If you are experiencing hair thinning and are trying to conceive, our team can help you develop a safe, effective, and personalized treatment plan.
