Characteristic Features of Female Pattern Hair Loss and the Improvement by Adenosine

This scientific research paper is focused on the effects of adenosine and Panax ginseng on female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a condition characterized by a diffuse reduction in hair density and the absence of hairline receding, distinct from androgenetic alopecia (AGA) common in men. The study found that a lotion containing adenosine significantly increased the percentage of thick hair in women with thinning hair over a 12-month period, compared to a placebo group. Additionally, a 6-month study of a lotion containing both adenosine and Panax ginseng showed increased hair density, with no observed side effects in either study. These results suggest that adenosine is a safe and effective treatment for hair thinning, improving quality of life for both men and women. The paper reports that thinning hair is becoming an increasing concern for women, with FPHL being more common than AGA in Japanese women. An active ingredient in hair restorers, minoxidil, was discussed for its growth-promoting effects on hair follicles. However, adenosine was shown to have a significant impact on hair growth and thickness when applied to men with AGA, leading to the study of its effects on women with FPHL. The efficacy of adenosine was evaluated through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 30 Japanese women with FPHL. The adenosine or placebo lotions were applied twice daily for 12 months. Phototrichograms were used to observe changes over time, and the subjects' self-evaluation was also considered. The study concluded with positive results, as most subjects in the adenosine group reported improvement in hair thinning after 12 months. The adenosine group also had a significantly higher percentage of thick hair compared to the placebo group after the study. Self-assessment revealed that the adenosine group generally scored higher in terms of hair appearance, the effect of delaying hair loss, and strength and stiffness of thin hair.