Complications Of Androgenetic Alopecia Treatments: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

    December 2025 in “ Revista fisio&terapia. ”
    Nuno Manuel Monteiro Domingues, Susana Margarida Pires da Silva
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    TLDR Androgenetic alopecia treatments slightly increase the risk of side effects, especially sexual dysfunction and skin reactions.
    This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the complications and adverse events associated with treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) over a period of at least 3 months, including finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride, and combination therapies. The analysis included 6 randomized controlled trials with a total of 5725 participants. The study found a small but significant increase in the risk of adverse events for these treatments, with dutasteride showing the highest risk (OR 2.10). Finasteride and dutasteride were primarily associated with sexual dysfunction, while minoxidil was linked to local dermatologic reactions. Despite these risks, the overall safety profile of these treatments is considered favorable, with low discontinuation rates. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical monitoring and informed discussions with patients regarding potential risks.
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