Studysummary This review discusses current treatments for male androgenic alopecia, focusing on finasteride and minoxidil, and highlights the need for evidence-based information amidst widespread unverified claims. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
In 2009, the primary treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were finasteride and minoxidil, both of which had proven efficacy and safety. Finasteride, an oral medication, was shown to significantly reduce scalp and serum DHT levels, improving hair growth by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase type II. Minoxidil, a topical stimulant originally used for blood pressure control, was effective in increasing hair count, although its exact mechanism was unclear. Other treatments like dutasteride and various topical agents were also mentioned, but the document highlighted the necessity for evidence-based information to counteract unsubstantiated market claims. The Japanese Dermatological Association was preparing AGA treatment guidelines, set to be released in 2009.
397 citations
,
February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology” This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.
80 citations
,
August 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology” This study found that combining oral finasteride with topical minoxidil resulted in the greatest improvement in hair growth for male patients with androgenetic alopecia, compared to using any single treatment.
25 citations
,
January 2002 in “Folia Pharmacologica Japonica” This article reviews the proposed mechanism of minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia, suggesting it may prolong the anagen phase by modulating cell growth factors and vascular activity, but reports no new results.
239 citations
,
November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” In this study, finasteride 1 mg/day for 12 months did not improve hair growth or slow hair thinning in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.
581 citations
,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.
67 citations
,
February 1997 in “Teratology” This study demonstrated that high oral doses of finasteride caused external genital abnormalities in male rhesus monkey fetuses, but intravenous doses did not lead to abnormalities.
