EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TOPICAL MINOXIDIL 5 PERCENT ALONE VERSUS ORAL MINOXIDIL VERSUS TOPICAL MINOXIDIL 5 PERCENT WITH ORAL SPIRONOLACTONE IN FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS : A RANDOMISED CLINICAL COMPARATIVE TRIAL

This randomized comparative clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of three treatment regimens for Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL): topical minoxidil 5% alone, topical minoxidil plus low-dose oral minoxidil, and topical minoxidil plus oral spironolactone. FPHL is a common, progressive condition with limited long-term results from topical minoxidil monotherapy, and evidence for combination therapy—especially dual minoxidil therapy—remains insufficient. After obtaining consent, eligible patients undergo baseline history, Ludwig grading, global assessments, standardized scalp photography, dermoscopic evaluation of a tattoo-marked target area, and baseline ECG, serum potassium, and blood pressure recording. Participants are randomized into three groups and followed at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks for repeat dermoscopic measurements, physician and patient global assessments, hair density and shaft diameter evaluation, and safety monitoring. This study aims to determine whether combined topical and oral minoxidil offers superior outcomes, potentially providing a more effective therapeutic option for women with FPHL