Comparative Efficacy of Minoxidil and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Monotherapy for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Network Meta-Analysis Study of Current Empirical Evidence

This network meta-analysis evaluated 33 studies to compare the efficacy of minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for male pattern hair loss. Oral dutasteride 0.5 mg/day was identified as the most effective treatment, significantly reducing serum dihydrotestosterone by 92%, compared to finasteride's 73%. While minoxidil in various forms showed comparable efficacy, oral minoxidil 5 mg/day was particularly effective in vertex-area photographic analysis but carries a higher risk of systemic adverse effects. Among FDA-approved treatments, topical minoxidil 5% is the most effective topical agent, and oral finasteride 1 mg/day is the most effective oral option. The study highlights the superior efficacy of dutasteride and the need for careful prescription and monitoring due to potential side effects.