Could Retin-A Gel on the Face Cause Female Hair Loss?
I am 53 years old woman with thinning hair (front and upper middle scalp). I have been prescribed spironolactone tablets daily and am about to start the twice-daily 2% minoxydil (Rogaine) topical treatments. For a different problem (fine lines) I apply 0.04% retin-A micro gel to my face nightly (active ingedient tretinoin). Is there any material risk of adverse drug interactions? Could tretinoin aggravate my hair loss?
For starters, here’s what I said about Retin-A in a recent post that still holds true — “Hair loss is listed as a known common side effect of tretinoin (also known as Retin-A), but it is also used by some people in conjunction with minoxidil to grow hair.”
I really don’t have a right answer for you. These are the questions you really should ask your doctor, since you’re already under a physician’s care. Female hair loss is complicated and I know very little about you, have not examined you at all, and have no detailed history on your many health issues.
Dr. Rassman the link you have to the side effects of Tretinoin it is refering to the oral route aka Vesanoid not the topical use for acne and wrinkles.
John is right, just as he was in his other comment on Retin A.
I use a generic version of Retin A cream (for Keratosis Pilaris) and hair loss is not listed as a side effect.