Beneficial effect of spironolactone on androgenic alopecia

In a study from 1997, spironolactone, an anti-hypertensive drug with anti-androgenic activity, was evaluated for its effects on androgenic alopecia in 4 young patients aged 18-23 (2 women and 2 men). The patients were treated with 100 mg of spironolactone twice daily for six months. Measurements of hair loss and hair root phases were taken before treatment, after six months of treatment, and 3-4 months post-treatment withdrawal. The study found a significant reduction in the rate of daily hair loss (50.0 to 62.9% decline) and an improvement in the trichogram score, with an increase in the anagen phase (from 22.0 to 84.5% over basal evaluation percentage) and a decrease in dysmorphic hairs. However, there was a partial relapse after treatment cessation. No adverse effects on the menstrual cycle, sperm count, or sexual activity were noted, although a fall in blood pressure was observed. The study concluded that spironolactone may be useful in restraining scalp hair loss in androgenic alopecia, but a properly designed clinical trial is necessary to confirm these findings conclusively.