Antiandrogen Therapy for Female-Pattern Hair Loss

January 2005 in “ NEJM Journal Watch ”

Neil H. Shear, Frcpc

female-pattern hair loss FPHL telogen effluvium topical minoxidil antiandrogens spironolactone cyproterone Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Cyproterone →

a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This article discusses treatments for female-pattern hair loss, such as topical minoxidil and antiandrogens like spironolactone, and reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer ·

The document discussed female-pattern hair loss (FPHL), which could manifest as a diffuse reduction in hair density on the crown or increased telogen-hair shedding. Chronic shedding was noted as a characteristic of chronic telogen effluvium. Treatment options for FPHL at the time included topical minoxidil and antiandrogens like spironolactone and cyproterone.

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