TLDR Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride and dutasteride are the most effective treatments for male and female pattern hair loss, but study quality varies.
The document discusses the effectiveness of various treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It states that while there are nearly two dozen medical treatments for AGA, none meet all four criteria of being highly effective, safe, affordable, and easy to use. The treatments with the highest-quality evidence (level 1) are topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and oral dutasteride for male AGA and topical minoxidil for female AGA. A 2022 network meta-analysis ranked treatment efficacy for male AGA from most to least effective as: oral dutasteride 0.5 mg, oral finasteride 5 mg, oral minoxidil 5 mg, oral finasteride 1 mg, and topical minoxidil 5%. A 2023 network meta-analysis of female AGA ranked treatment efficacy from most to least effective as: oral 5 mg finasteride, minoxidil solution 5% twice daily, oral minoxidil 1 mg, and minoxidil foam 5% once daily. However, the quality of published AGA studies is highly variable, with many being of low quality.
5 citations,
June 2018 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” In 2017, Spanish dermatologists commonly prescribed topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and nutricosmetics for hair loss, with oral contraceptives also used for premenopausal women. Less common were oral dutasteride, due to side effects, and newer, more expensive treatments like topical finasteride and Low-Level Laser Therapy. The conclusion is that there's a need for prescription guidelines due to varied treatment approaches.
145 citations,
November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.
16 citations,
June 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.
January 2014 in “Cosmoderma” The document concludes that personalized treatment plans for hair loss in Asian men are necessary and more research is needed to develop effective guidelines.
May 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” More personalized and effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia are needed.
10 citations,
April 2018 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” In 2017, Spanish dermatologists most often prescribed minoxidil and finasteride for male hair loss, and minoxidil and oral contraceptives for premenopausal female hair loss.
