The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

September 1994 in “ The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism ”

Aimee Dallob, Neil S. Sadick, W Unger, S Lipert, Lori A. Geissler, S L Gregoire, Hung T. Nguyen, E C Moore, W Tanaka

finasteride 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT male pattern baldness scalp skin Propecia androgenic alopecia

TLDR Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

The study investigated the effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on scalp skin testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in patients with male pattern baldness. The results showed that finasteride significantly reduced DHT levels in the scalp skin, which is believed to be a key factor in the development of male pattern baldness. The study suggests that finasteride may be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Azasteroids as Inhibitors of Testosterone 5α-Reductase in Mammalian Skin

34 citations , February 1993 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology”

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research Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

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Finasteride effectively treats BPH, but needs more trials to understand potential.

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A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

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The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.

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Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

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The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

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