Efficacy and Safety of Topical Combination of 3% Minoxidil and 0.25% Finasteride Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female-Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study

The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical combination of 3% minoxidil and 0.25% finasteride versus 3% minoxidil solution in female-pattern hair loss. The study was conducted in 30 postmenopausal women with Ludwig grade I-III. By 24 weeks, changes in hair diameter were observed in both groups but the combination was significantly superior to minoxidil alone in increasing hair diameter. Hair density increased from baseline in both groups but without statistically significant differences. Side-effects included pruritus and irritation. No hormone-related side-effects were observed, however, differences of serum DHT level at 24 weeks in the combination group were significantly decreased from baseline compared with minoxidil alone. The study concluded that the combination proved to be a promising option in the treatment of female-pattern hair loss with an additional benefit over minoxidil alone in terms of increasing hair diameter.