The Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil 2% Versus Topical Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5 Alpha Reductase in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss by Trichoscopy
January 2019
in “
Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)
”
TLDR Minoxidil 2% is more effective for female hair loss, but botanicals have fewer side effects.
The study compared the efficacy of topical minoxidil 2% and botanically derived 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5αRIs) in treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in 40 women. Minoxidil was effective across all stages of FPHL, showing a greater mean increase in hair diameter and density, but had more side effects like scalp irritation. Botanically derived 5αRIs were beneficial in early and moderate cases with fewer side effects. The study concluded that minoxidil 2% was more effective overall, while 5αRIs could be a second-line option due to better tolerability. Trichoscopy was recommended for therapeutic follow-up.
