A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

BACKGROUND Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder. Studies have demonstrated successful treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in men, but studies in women are few. OBJECTIVE To evaluate PRP in the treatment of AGA in women, compared with topical minoxidil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty women with AGA received topical minoxidil for 12 weeks and injectable PRP for 12 weeks in a randomized crossover design with an 8-week washout between treatments. Standardized TrichoScan analysis and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed at baseline and 12-week follow-up for each treatment. RESULTS After PRP, significant increases from baseline to Week 12 in TrichoScan analysis hair count ( p = .002) and vellus hair density ( p = .009) occurred. However, minoxidil resulted in significant increases in hair count ( p < .001), vellus hair density ( p = .03), terminal hair density ( p = .004), and cumulative thickness ( p = .004). Several quality of life responses improved from baseline to Week 12 after PRP treatment, whereas no improvements were noted after minoxidil. CONCLUSION Platelet-rich plasma is an effective treatment for hair regrowth in female AGA, although not as effective as minoxidil. However, the improved quality of life responses after PRP, but not minoxidil, suggest a potential overall greater degree of satisfaction with PRP. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE I. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03488108.