5α-Reductase Inhibitors: A New Hope in Dermatology?
March 1997
in “
International Journal of Dermatology
”
5alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride male-pattern baldness hirsutism acne dihydrotestosterone DHT hair growth scalp DHT concentration sexual dysfunction increased serum cholesterol oral contraceptives pregnancy male fetal genital abnormalities Propecia male-pattern hair loss hair loss testosterone birth control pills
TLDR Finasteride shows promise for treating hair loss and excessive hair growth, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
The document from 1997 discusses the potential of finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, in treating male-pattern baldness, hirsutism, and acne by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. Significant decreases in DHT and hair growth were observed in studies on hirsute women, and animal studies indicated increased hair weight in male-pattern baldness, with a decrease in scalp DHT concentration also noted in human males. The effect of finasteride on acne remains uncertain. Preliminary results are promising, but more research is needed to fully assess the benefits and risks of 5α-reductase inhibitors in dermatology. Side effects of finasteride include sexual dysfunction and increased serum cholesterol in women using oral contraceptives, and it is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of male fetal genital abnormalities.
