Women's Scalp Solution
A highly customized topical containing azelaic acid plus three hormones: estradiol, progesterone and liothyronine (T3).
Active ingredients: Azelaic acid + Estradiol + Progesterone + Liothyronine
$75 per month
No membership fee · No clinician fee · Free shipping
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Compounded, not FDA-approved. The exact combination has a much less established hair-loss evidence base than topical minoxidil.
What it does
This formula does not rely on the usual minoxidil or finasteride approach. It combines azelaic acid with estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormone. The exact combination has a much less established hair-loss evidence base than standard minoxidil treatment.
What's in it
Azelaic acid
- What it is
- Dermatologic acid.
- Hormone?
- Not a hormone.
- Why it's here
- It is used for conditions such as acne and rosacea; its role in hair loss is much less established.
Estradiol
- What it is
- Estrogen hormone.
- Hormone?
- Yes, it is a hormone.
- Why it's here
- It is included in this compounded scalp formula, but the evidence for topical estradiol in female-pattern hair loss is limited.
Progesterone
- What it is
- Steroid hormone.
- Hormone?
- Yes, it is a hormone.
- Why it's here
- Its specific benefit in topical hair-loss treatment is not well established.
Liothyronine
- What it is
- Synthetic T3 thyroid hormone.
- Hormone?
- Yes, it is a hormone.
- Why it's here
- High-quality evidence supporting topical liothyronine for hair loss is limited; the reason it is included in this specific formula should be confirmed with the clinician/pharmacy.
Why choose this one?
Why choose this one
This is a clinician-guided hormone-containing topical for women. It is meaningfully different from standard minoxidil or spironolactone treatment.
Why choose another option?
If you want an option with a stronger direct hair-loss evidence base and fewer hormone-related considerations, compare minoxidil-based treatments or other clinician-recommended options.
Compare your options
Topical vs oral hair treatment
| Topical | Oral | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's used | Applied to the scalp, usually daily | Taken by mouth, usually daily |
| Whole-body exposure | Lower, though some is absorbed | Higher |
| Evidence context | In a 2024 trial in men, 5% topical minoxidil improved hair density at 24 weeks | In the same trial, 5 mg oral minoxidil also improved density and was not superior to topical |
| Common tradeoffs | Scalp irritation, residue, daily application | Unwanted body or facial hair with oral minoxidil; less often lightheadedness or fluid retention |
| Who may prefer it | People who want to limit whole-body effects | People who find daily application hard to keep up |
| Price at Avono | From $75 per month | From $59 per month |
Benefits and evidence
Common side effects
Scalp irritation may occur. Because the formula contains estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormone, systemic hormone or thyroid effects are possible if meaningful absorption occurs. The specific risks depend on the formulation and the individual.
What may help
General measures that may help with scalp irritation and early changes:
- Apply to a dry scalp, use only the amount prescribed and wash your hands afterwards.
- A gentle, fragrance-free shampoo can reduce dryness and itching.
- Let the formula dry before it touches pillows or others.
- Temporary shedding in the first one to two months of minoxidil treatment can happen as hair cycles reset. In one trial it affected 16% of men using topical minoxidil. It usually settles.
Stop and contact your clinician if irritation is severe or spreading. Do not change strength or frequency on your own.
Important safety information
Pregnancy and fertility. Contains estradiol, progesterone and thyroid hormone. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, or have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions.
Pregnancy, hormone-sensitive conditions, thyroid disease and interacting medications are especially important to disclose during intake. Compounded, not FDA-approved.
This is a compounded medication. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed pharmacies and are not FDA-approved.
Prescription treatments require evaluation by a licensed clinician and are not appropriate for everyone. Some ingredients are not appropriate during pregnancy or for people who may become pregnant. Compounded formulas are not FDA-approved. Not available in all states.
When to contact your clinician
Contact your clinician about irregular bleeding, breast changes, headaches that are new or severe, or signs of too much thyroid hormone such as a racing heartbeat, tremor or feeling unusually hot.
Stop and contact your clinician for severe redness, blistering, swelling or a spreading rash, dizziness or a fast heartbeat after applying, or unexpected hair growth away from the scalp.
Questions people ask
Is this a hormone?
Yes. Estradiol and progesterone are hormones, and liothyronine is active thyroid hormone.
Does this contain minoxidil or finasteride?
No. It combines azelaic acid with estradiol, progesterone and liothyronine.
How long before I see results?
Hair grows slowly, so changes usually take months. In the finasteride trials and the 48-week topical minoxidil trial, results were measured over the better part of a year or longer. Your clinician can tell you when a review makes sense.
Which ingredients here are hormones?
Three: estradiol (an estrogen), progesterone, and liothyronine (active thyroid hormone). Azelaic acid is not a hormone. Evidence for these ingredients in topical hair treatment is limited.
Discuss Women's Scalp Solution with a licensed clinician
Your clinician reviews your health history and decides whether this option, or another, is appropriate.
$75 per month
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Women's Scalp Solution $75 per month