Hair loss in women is more common than many people realize. While often discussed in the context of men, millions of women across Michigan — from Traverse City to the Upper Peninsula — are quietly coping with thinning hair, shedding, and patchy scalp visibility. For many, this issue isn’t just cosmetic; it affects self-esteem, confidence, and even mental health.
“In women, hair loss is characterized by a decrease in hair density over the crown without frontal hairline involvement, also known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL)”
- Female pattern hair loss affects up to 50% of women over their lifetime.
- It’s especially prevalent post-menopause, often becoming more noticeable in women aged 40 and older.
- Emotional and psychological impacts are significant, often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
At Healthway Compounding Pharmacy, located in Saginaw and proudly serving Northern Michigan, the Thumb, and the U.P., we understand that every patient’s situation is unique. We also understand that over-the-counter hair loss therapies aren’t always effective. That’s where prescription-grade hair growth medications come into play. Three powerful, evidence-backed ingredients — Azelaic Acid, Minoxidil, and Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin) — are making a significant difference in helping Michigan women address hair loss and stimulate regrowth.
Understanding Female Hair Loss
Before diving into available options, it’s important to understand the types and causes of hair loss in women. The most common form is Androgenetic Alopecia, also called female pattern hair loss.
Common reasons that lead to hair loss in women:
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, thyroid dysfunction)
- Stress or illness (e.g., post-COVID hair loss)
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D, biotin)
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., alopecia areata)
- Scalp inflammation or infections
Unlike men, women tend to lose hair in a diffuse pattern — thinning at the crown and along the part line, rather than bald spots. This difference means that therapies need to be carefully tailored to a woman’s scalp physiology and hormonal profile.
Why Over-the-Counter Solutions Often Fall Short
Drugstore solutions, such as 2% Minoxidil foam, may be helpful for mild cases. However, these lower-strength formulations may not be enough for more advanced or hormonally driven hair loss. Women with persistent or worsening thinning may benefit from compounded topical prescriptions — custom-blended medications that target multiple causes of hair loss at once.
This is where Healthway Compounding Pharmacy steps in. As Michigan’s first PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy (since 2007), we specialize in preparing personalized formulations for hair restoration using clinical-grade active ingredients — including Azelaic Acid, Minoxidil, and Retinoic Acid — in strengths and combinations not available over the counter.
Let’s explore the most popular hair loss medications for women.
1. Minoxidil: The Foundation for Hair Regrowth
How it Works:
Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles, extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It helps follicles stay active longer and produce thicker, longer strands.
Prescription Strength vs. OTC:
The formulas available in stores are often inadequate for more significant female hair loss. At Healthway, we compound prescription-strength Minoxidil — and pair it with other prescription grad agents for enhanced effect.
Potential Benefits for Michigan Women:
Michigan’s cold winters and dry indoor heating can reduce scalp circulation. Topical Minoxidil may help overcome this by actively increasing blood supply where it’s applied — often the crown, part line, or temple areas.
2. Azelaic Acid: A Natural DHT Blocker
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It’s best known for addressing rosacea and acne due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. But it also has a hidden superpower for hair loss: DHT inhibition.
Why DHT Matters:
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone that miniaturizes hair follicles. In both men and women with genetic predisposition, DHT is the primary culprit behind pattern hair loss.
How Azelaic Acid May Help:
Azelaic Acid may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By reducing scalp DHT levels, Azelaic Acid helps preserve follicle function and prevent further loss.
Why It’s Potentially Great for Women:
Unlike oral DHT blockers (like finasteride), which are not typically recommended for women due to hormonal side effects, topical Azelaic Acid is safe and non-systemic — potentially making it an excellent option for women with androgenetic alopecia.
3. Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin): Boosting Penetration and Regrowth
What is Retinoic Acid?
A derivative of vitamin A, Retinoic Acid (Tretinion) is well-known in dermatology for its skin-renewing effects. When used topically in hair loss formulations, it plays a dual role:
- Increases skin cell turnover, keeping hair follicles unclogged and healthy.
- Enhances the absorption of other active ingredients — especially Minoxidil.
The Synergy:
Combining Retinoic Acid with Minoxidil may improve the efficacy of Minoxidil by increasing its absorption into the deeper layers of the scalp. This combination is especially successful when supporting women with thick or oily scalps where standard Minoxidil may not penetrate deeply.
Why Combination Therapy May Work Best
Individually, Azelaic Acid, Minoxidil, and Retinoic Acid are powerful. But together, they form a multi-pronged attack against female hair loss:
- Minoxidil: Stimulates blood flow and hair growth.
- Azelaic Acid: Blocks DHT locally, preventing follicle miniaturization.
- Retinoic Acid: Enhances absorption and keeps follicles clear.
At Healthway Compounding Pharmacy, we custom-blend these ingredients into easy-to-use topical solutions, serums, or foams based on your unique scalp condition, skin sensitivity, and health goals.
Personalized Women’s Hair Loss Medications in Michigan
We serve women across Mount Pleasant, Alpena, Petoskey, Escanaba, Bad Axe, and Sault Ste. Marie — bringing customized, research-backed therapies to our communities.
Your compounded formula can be tailored to:
- Sensitive scalps (alcohol-free or hypoallergenic bases)
- Dry or oily skin types
- Desired frequency (daily vs. every other day)
- Additional ingredients (such as caffeine, biotin, or ketoconazole)
Streamlined Prescribing for Michigan Dermatology Providers
At Healthway Compounding Pharmacy, we don’t just offer high-quality, custom medications — we make the prescribing process simple and efficient for dermatology providers throughout Michigan. Our Dermatology Prescription Order Form is designed specifically for practitioners who want to prescribe compounded hair loss formulas and other dermatologic medications with confidence and ease.
Whether you’re recommending our pharmacist-developed combination of Minoxidil, Azelaic Acid, and Retinoic Acid, or need a fully customized topical, oral, or foam-based compound, the order form gives you full control and flexibility.
Features of the Healthway Dermatology Order Form:
- Pre-filled Options – Select from pharmacist-recommended formulations tailored for hair regrowth and other skin-related conditions. Special formulas differ for women and men.
- Customizable Fields – Write in your own strengths, active ingredients, dosage forms (such as solution, serum, or foam), and directions based on your patient’s needs.
- Dermatologist-Focused – The form includes popular dermatologic compounds commonly prescribed by Michigan providers, such as formulas for acne, melasma, rosacea, and alopecia areata.
- Easy Submission – Fax it into Healthway: 989-791-4603. Our pharmacy handles compounding, patient outreach, and direct shipping throughout Michigan.
This process helps dermatology providers minimize administrative burden while ensuring patients receive expertly compounded, personalized medications backed by over 35 years of experience.
Getting Started: What to Expect
- Consultation: Whether a prescriber or patient, you can contact us directly with a prescription or request guidance on formulation options.
Contact Us
2544 McLeod Dr., N., Ste 2 Saginaw, MI 48604
Phone & Fax
989-791-1691 Phone
866-883-8868 Toll Free
989-791-4603 Fax Customization: We’ll tailor the strength, base, and combination of ingredients to your, or your patient’s, needs.
Convenient Delivery: We ship directly to patients across Michigan, especially useful to rural and Northern areas where access to specialty care is limited.
Ongoing Support: Hair regrowth takes time — usually 3–6 months. We support you every step of the way with guidance and refill options.
Why Choose Healthway Compounding Pharmacy?
- PCAB-Accredited since 2007 – ensuring the highest standards in compounding.
- Over 40 years of experience in pharmaceutical compounding.
- Owned and operated by Michael E. Collins, R.Ph., F.I.A.C.P., a nationally respected leader in customized medication.
- Local to Michigan, with deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to Northern Michigan’s healthcare needs.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
Hair loss is personal. It’s emotional. But it’s also manageable — especially with the right tools and team on your side. If you’re a woman in Michigan struggling with hair thinning or scalp issues, let Healthway Compounding Pharmacy help you take the next step.
Call us today or send us a message to learn more about customized hair regrowth medications featuring Azelaic Acid, Minoxidil, and Retinoic Acid. We’re here to serve you — whether you’re in Saginaw, the Thumb, the Upper Peninsula, or anywhere in between.
References
- Amirfakhryan, E., Davarnia, B., Jeddi, F., & Najafzadeh, N. (2020). Azelaic acid stimulates catalase activation and promotes hair growth through upregulation of Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA and Shh protein. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 10(5), 460. Link
- Azzouni, F., Godoy, A., Li, Y., & Mohler, J. (2012). The 5 alpha‐reductase isozyme family: a review of basic biology and their role in human diseases. Advances in urology, 2012(1), 530121. Link
- Baran, R. (1989). Explosive eruption of pyogenic granuloma on the scalp due to topical combination therapy of minoxidil and retinoic acid. Dermatology, 179(2), 76-78. Link
- Bazzano, G. S., Terezakis, N., & Galen, W. (1986). Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 15(4), 880-893. Link
- Jacobs, J. P., Szpunar, C. A., & Warner, M. L. (1993). Use of topical minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia in women. International journal of dermatology, 32(10), 758-762. Link
- Lolli, F., Pallotti, F., Rossi, A., Fortuna, M. C., Caro, G., Lenzi, A., … & Lombardo, F. (2017). Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine, 57(1), 9-17. Link
- Salih, M., & Qurtas, D. (2022). The Efficacy of Azelaic Acid 20% Cream in the Treatment of Scalp Alopecia Areata. Iraqi Journal of Pharmacy, 19(1), 23-33. Link
- Sharma, A., Goren, A., Dhurat, R., Agrawal, S., Sinclair, R., Trüeb, R. M., … & McCoy, J. (2019). Tretinoin enhances minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia patients by upregulating follicular sulfotransferase enzymes. Dermatologic therapy, 32(3), e12915. Link
- Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug design, development and therapy, 2777-2786. Link
- Vierhapper, H., Maier, H., Nowotny, P., & Waldhäusl, W. (2003). Production rates of testosterone and of dihydrotestosterone in female pattern hair loss. Metabolism, 52(7), 927-929. Link