Effects of minoxidil 2% vs. cyproterone acetate treatment on female androgenetic alopecia: a controlled, 12-month randomized trial
June 2002
in “British Journal of Dermatology”
TLDR Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.
This study from 20 years ago compared the effectiveness of minoxidil 2% and cyproterone acetate treatments on female androgenetic alopecia. The study involved 66 patients who were randomized into two groups. The results showed that both treatments led to a significant increase in the total number of hairs, but the minoxidil group had a stronger response. Patients on cyproterone acetate had a greater reduction in scalp seborrhoea, but also experienced more menstrual cycle irregularities. Overall, the study suggests that minoxidil may be a more effective treatment for female androgenetic alopecia, especially when alopecia is the only symptom and there are no signs of hyperandrogenism.
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