No Increased Risk of Breast or Gynecologic Cancers in Women with 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Exposure for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Population-Based Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

September 2025 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Li-Chi Chen, Tina Yi Jin Hsieh, Maryanne M. Senna

5α-reductase inhibitors female pattern hair loss FPHL 5ARIs

TLDR Using 5α-reductase inhibitors for hair loss in women doesn't increase cancer risk.

The study investigated the potential link between the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and the risk of developing breast or gynecologic cancers. The research utilized a population-based propensity score-matched cohort study design. The findings concluded that there is no increased risk of breast or gynecologic cancers in women who are exposed to 5ARIs for FPHL. This suggests that the use of 5ARIs for treating FPHL does not contribute to an elevated risk of these estrogen-mediated malignancies.

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