Relative Efficacy of Conventional Monotherapies and Select Nonconventional, Over-The-Counter Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

    October 2025 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Aditya K. Gupta, Mary A. Bamimore, Mesbah Talukder
    Studysummary This study found that conventional treatments like oral dutasteride and topical/oral minoxidil are effective for male androgenetic alopecia, and it provides guidance on the relative efficacy of some alternative treatments, such as topical melatonin and rosemary oil, compared to these conventional therapies.
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    Related research 9

    1. Oral Finasteride (5 mg and 2 mg) Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% in Female Pattern Hair Loss Clinical Dermatology Review · 2025
    2. Comparative Study of Topical Minoxidil (5%) Plus Finasteride (0.1%) Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) Plus Finasteride (0.1%) in Patients with Androgenic Alopecia Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research · 2024
    3. Controversies in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: The History of Finasteride Dermatologic Therapy · 2018
    4. A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2018
    5. Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2018
    6. The Modern Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Vestnik dermatologii i venerologii · 2017
    7. Topical Minoxidil Fortified with Finasteride: Maintenance of Hair Density After Replacing Oral Finasteride International journal of scientific research · 2016
    8. Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients Dermatologic Therapy · 2015
    9. A New Topical Formulation of Minoxidil and Finasteride Improves Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research · 2015