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) ”

Fairouz K Badran, Rania E Abd El Maksoud, Mona M. Moawad

topical minoxidil 2% botanically derived inhibitors of 5 alpha reductase female pattern hair loss trichoscopy 5-alpha reductase inhibitors hair diameter hair density scalp irritation minoxidil 5αRIs FPHL

Studysummary This study observed that while both minoxidil and botanically-derived 5-alpha reductase inhibitors significantly increased hair count and diameter in women with female pattern hair loss, minoxidil was more effective, especially for greater hair diameter increases, but had more troublesome side effects. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

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.

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research Interventions for Female Pattern Hair Loss

21 citations , May 2016 in “The Cochrane library”

This review found that while topical minoxidil is effective for treating female pattern hair loss, finasteride showed no more effectiveness than placebo, and low-level laser therapy increased hair count but with inconsistent results.