The Relative Effect of Monotherapy with 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors and Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

    June 2023 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Aditya K. Gupta, Tong Wang, Mary A Bamimore, Milton Talukder
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    TLDR Finasteride 5mg daily is the most effective for female pattern hair loss, with higher doses of treatments generally more effective.
    A network meta-analysis study analyzed data from 13 trials to compare the efficacy of minoxidil and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) in treating adult women with pattern hair loss (PHL). The study found that the most effective treatment was 5mg finasteride taken once a day for 24 weeks, followed by 5% topical minoxidil solution applied twice a day for 24 weeks, and 1mg minoxidil taken once a day for 24 weeks. The least effective treatment was 1mg finasteride taken once a day for 24 weeks. The study also suggested a possible dose-dependent effect for oral finasteride, and oral and topical minoxidil, with higher doses showing more efficacy. However, there was no significant difference between 3% and 2% topical minoxidil solution applied twice a day for 24 weeks.
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      community Another clueless guy fearmongering and spreading misinformation

      in Chat  251 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, with some users advocating for finasteride and minoxidil, while others express concerns about potential side effects of finasteride. A social media influencer is criticized for promoting scalp massages and minoxidil over finasteride, which some believe is misinformation.

      community Goodbye y'all, it's been a journey but have accepted where I'm at

      in Update  219 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conclusion of this conversation about hair loss is that the user, y00sh420, tried various treatments including a $700 lllt helmet, topical minoxidil and finasteride, spectraDNC, and micro needling, but did not achieve the desired results. They have decided to stop trying until a cure for male pattern baldness is found. Other users expressed different opinions on hair loss treatments.

      community Wtf have we been doing for the last 30 years

      in Treatment  548 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride work but have side effects. A permanent cure is still not available due to the complexity of hair loss and limited investment.

      community What I hate about being told to shave my head

      in Chat  258 upvotes 7 months ago
      Hair loss challenges and identity issues, with opinions on using finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplants versus accepting baldness. Some find shaving more work, while others stress personal choice and self-perception.

      community Finasteride does deplete important nuero-active steroids

      in Research/Science  9 upvotes 2 years ago
      Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.

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