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

5-alpha reductase inhibitors minoxidil finasteride pattern hair loss topical minoxidil oral minoxidil oral finasteride 5-ARIs Rogaine Propecia PHL

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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