Finasteride and Its Potential for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Evidence to Date

The document reviewed the potential of finasteride, a selective 5α-reductase inhibitor, as a treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL). While topical minoxidil was the approved treatment, it was not effective for all patients. Finasteride was considered as an alternative due to its mechanism of action, but its use was limited by potential teratogenic effects. The review summarized existing literature on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of oral finasteride for FPHL. It also discussed novel therapeutic options, including topical finasteride and dutasteride, a new generation 5-ARI, for treating FPHL.