Adenosine: Can it help if my hair loss is due to a hormonal imbalance like PCOS or DHT?

Hair loss can have many causes, but when we talk about “hormonal imbalance” as one of them, we’re referring to an alteration in the normal levels of certain hormones in the body.

Hormones are chemical substances that regulate essential functions such as growth, metabolism, mood—and, of course, the hair cycle. When there’s an imbalance—meaning a hormone is too high or too low—the hair follicle (the skin structure where each hair grows) can be affected.

One of the most common imbalances in women is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome causes the ovaries to produce more androgens than usual. Androgens are hormones commonly referred to as “male” hormones, though women also have them in smaller amounts. Excess androgens can lead to acne, irregular periods, increased body hair… and hair thinning or loss on the scalp, especially in areas typically associated with male-pattern baldness (like the hairline or crown). Another key player in this kind of hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent hormone derived from testosterone. In people who are sensitive to it—both men and women—DHT can bind to receptors in the hair follicles and cause them to shrink. Over time, hair becomes thinner, grows more slowly, and eventually stops growing altogether. Physically, hormonal hair loss can feel different from other types of shedding. It might start slowly and only become noticeable after a few months. It’s common to see more hair in the shower, on the pillow, or on your brush. The scalp may also start to look more visible, especially around the part line or crown.

So what can be done? Does everything require a prescription?

When hair loss is caused by a hormonal imbalance like PCOS or excess DHT, many recommended treatments do require a prescription. For example, antiandrogens like spironolactone or finasteride are often prescribed to block the effects of androgens in the body. Hormonal treatments are also available to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen production, such as birth control pills in certain cases. But not every treatment has to involve a prescription. Some topical products—those applied directly to the scalp—can work in a different way: instead of altering hormone levels in the body, they aim to strengthen the hair follicle itself, improve scalp health, or stimulate new hair growth. This is where adenosine comes in. In the context of hair, what has caught attention is its ability to influence the hair follicle’s growth cycle. Research has shown that adenosine can stimulate the anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair), much like other well-known treatments such as minoxidil. However, unlike minoxidil, adenosine appears to have a much lower side effect profile.

User Experiences

Community feedback on adenosine as a treatment for hair loss, especially in the context of hormonal imbalances such as PCOS or DHT sensitivity, reveals a mix of interest, anecdotal optimism, and cautious comparison with more established treatments like minoxidil. One of the most direct comparisons came from a user in a thread titled “Adenosine vs. Minoxidil”, where multiple contributors discussed their experiences using topical adenosine. Several noted that adenosine offered a gentler alternative to minoxidil, with fewer side effects like scalp irritation. However, they also acknowledged that adenosine seemed to work best when hair loss was in the early stages and that its effects were generally milder. Users did not directly mention PCOS, but there was a general sentiment that adenosine might be more suitable for individuals looking for a low-risk adjunct therapy, particularly those who cannot tolerate minoxidil.

In another discussion, a user who was already on finasteride 1 mg and minoxidil 5% added a 0.75% adenosine solution to their regimen. They referenced androgen-related loss (i.e., DHT sensitivity) and hoped adenosine could offer synergistic benefits. Although long-term results were not yet reported, the inclusion of adenosine was treated as a supportive therapy rather than a primary DHT blocker. A separate thread questioned whether combining adenosine with caffeine would be counterproductive, since caffeine is known to antagonize adenosine receptors. Some users speculated that the combo might neutralize adenosine's effects, especially in formulations where caffeine concentrations were high. This concern was particularly relevant for those using adenosine shampoos or serums designed for hair thickening.

There were also practical concerns raised. In one post, users discussed the limited availability of adenosine-based products, particularly in Western markets. While brands like Shiseido’s Adenovital and other Japanese formulations were mentioned positively, they were described as expensive or hard to source. An older but popular post compared 5% minoxidil to 0.75% adenosine in terms of user satisfaction. Several contributors noted that adenosine had faster perceived results and fewer side effects, though it wasn’t considered as potent overall. These comments align with existing clinical studies that show adenosine may support hair growth by increasing growth factor signaling but does not modulate androgen activity directly.

Finally, one user looking to improve hair thickness and density mentioned combining adenosine and caffeine serums with a multivitamin, suggesting it helped with general scalp health. However, this was anecdotal and not specifically targeted at hormonal causes like PCOS. In summary, users generally see adenosine as a well-tolerated, supplementary option that may be especially appealing for people with sensitivity to stronger treatments. However, it is not commonly seen as sufficient on its own to counteract DHT-driven or PCOS-related hair loss, which typically requires hormone-modulating strategies.

Can it really help in hair loss caused by DHT or PCOS?

This is where the question becomes more specific. If hair loss is a direct result of hormonal activity—like DHT in cases of genetic sensitivity, or androgens in PCOS can a product like adenosine make a difference if it doesn’t alter hormones? The short answer is: it depends on the level of damage already caused by the hormonal imbalance. Adenosine doesn’t block DHT, nor does it regulate androgens or act on the ovaries. However, it can help if the follicle has not yet been permanently damaged. In other words, it doesn’t target the hormonal cause directly, but it may strengthen the follicle’s response and help it better resist those negative effects.

A 2008 clinical study by Tsuboi et al. tested the use of adenosine in 102 Japanese men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (the most common form of hormonal hair loss). The treatment involved applying a topical adenosine solution twice a day for six months. Results were evaluated by independent dermatologists who rated hair growth and patient satisfaction. The study found a significant increase in hair thickness and high user satisfaction. This same group repeated the study in 2010, this time with 56 female participants using the same adenosine product. The study was double-blind, meaning neither the doctors nor the participants knew who received the real solution or a placebo. Results showed that adenosine was even more effective in women than in men, with clear improvements in hair density and no reported side effects.

However, both studies share important limitations: the number of participants was small, and all were from a single ethnic group, which limits the generalizability of the results. Also, six months is a relatively short period to evaluate long-term changes in the hair cycle, especially in cases where the underlying cause remains active. A 2016 review published in The Journal of Dermatology noted that while adenosine shows promising effects comparable to minoxidil in terms of stimulating hair growth, its exact mechanism of action is still not fully understood. It’s believed to act on A2 receptors in the follicle, improving blood flow and promoting cellular growth, but a clear consensus has yet to be reached.

Is it worth trying adenosine if I have PCOS or DHT sensitivity?

It’s important to highlight that adenosine is not a substitute for medical treatments aimed at correcting hormonal imbalances. If your body continues to produce high androgen levels or DHT remains active, the root problem persists. However, if you’re already undergoing medical treatment and looking for a topical product to improve density or thickness, or if you can’t use hormonal treatments due to side effects, adenosine might be a safe option to try. Because it doesn’t act on the hormonal system but rather directly on the scalp, adenosine can often be combined with other treatments without major interference though it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new routine. Adenosine does not directly counter the hormones responsible for hair loss, like DHT or the elevated androgens seen in PCOS. However, it may offer benefits such as strengthening hair follicles, increasing hair thickness, and extending the growth phase. This can make a difference if your follicles are still active or if you're already treating the hormonal cause by other means. Science so far supports its safety and some degree of effectiveness, especially in women. But its effects should be seen as supportive, not curative.

References

Tsuboi, R., Itami, S., Inui, S., Yoshikawa, K., & Takeyama, M. (2008). A randomized, double‐blind study of the efficacy and safety of topical adenosine treatment for androgenetic alopecia in Japanese men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 58(6), 971–973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.01.014

Tsuboi, R., Arano, O., Nishikawa, T., Yamada, T., & Takeyama, M. (2010). Topical adenosine increases the proportion of hair that is thick in female patients with androgenetic alopecia. The Journal of Dermatology, 37(10), 944–948. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00986.x

U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) overview. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos

Perfect Hair Health. (2023). Adenosine for hair growth – how does it stack up to minoxidil? https://perfecthairhealth.com/adenosine-for-hair-loss/

Hair Loss Cure 2020. (2020). Adenosine for Hair Loss. https://www.hairlosscure2020.com/adenosine-hair-loss/

FDA. (n.d.). Drug development and approval process. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs

Reddit. (2023, August 7). Adenosine vs. Minoxidil, experiences/thoughts? Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/15l0eeu/adenosine_vs_minoxidil_experiencesthoughts/

Reddit. (2024, July 1). It’s probably RU58841, which is weak in adenosine. Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1dsnx7n/its_probably_ru58841_which_is_weak_in_adenosine/

Reddit. (2023, July 25). Is Adenosine + caffeine good combo or does caffeine cancels Adenosine affect? Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1591f7d/is_adenosine_caffeine_good_combo_or_does_caffeine/

Reddit. (2018, June 28). Comparison of the efficacy of topical minoxidil 5% and adenosine 0.75% solutions on male androgenetic alopecia and measuring patient satisfaction rate. Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/8ui60m/comparison_of_the_efficacy_of_topical_minoxidil_5/

Reddit. (2025, February 17). I’m reviewing some hair loss shampoos that I use / like. I also found a couple brands that have caffeine and Adenosine in the formula. Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1irc5f2/im_reviewing_some_hair_loss_shampoos_that_i_use/