Bicalutamide Improves Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Review of 35 Patients

November 2021 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Anthony Moussa, Ahmed Kazmi, Laita Bokhari, Rodney Sinclair

bicalutamide minoxidil hypertrichosis female pattern hair loss antiandrogen therapy Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

a nonsteroidal anti-androgen, most commonly used orally for women

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This article notes that low-dose systemic minoxidil combined with antiandrogen therapy is effective for treating female pattern hair loss, though hypertrichosis can occur in a significant percentage of patients. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document discusses a retrospective review involving 35 patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) treated with low-dose systemic minoxidil and antiandrogen therapy, specifically bicalutamide. The study highlights that while minoxidil is effective and generally safe, it can cause hypertrichosis in up to 24% of patients. The review suggests that bicalutamide may improve minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis, offering a potential solution for managing this side effect in FPHL treatment.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Treatment for Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient Data

14 citations , August 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study reported that low-dose oral minoxidil is generally safe for treating various types of hair loss, though it may cause hypertrichosis and pedal edema, especially at higher doses.

research Bicalutamide: A Potential New Oral Antiandrogenic Drug for Female Pattern Hair Loss

8 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential of oral bicalutamide as a promising treatment for female pattern hair loss and reports no new clinical results.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Investigating Combination Therapy with Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone

80 citations , December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study reported that once-daily treatment with oral minoxidil and spironolactone for 12 months reduced hair loss severity and hair shedding in women with pattern hair loss, with generally mild side effects, though results came from an uncontrolled, observational pilot study.

research Minoxidil May Suppress Androgen Receptor-Related Functions

24 citations , April 2014 in “Oncotarget”

This study found that minoxidil suppressed androgen receptor functions and stability, suggesting its potential use in treating diseases related to the androgen-AR pathway.