How I Do It: Galenic Lotions for Topical Use to Cure Hair Thinning in Males and Females

The 2014 research article by Timothy Carman, Piero Tesauro, and Gaetano Agostinacchio discussed the use of galenic therapy for treating hair thinning in males and females. Galenic therapy involves the use of prescription drugs, prepared in a laboratory as per a physician's request, to treat specific conditions. The article detailed three patterns of hair loss and the corresponding treatment modalities. Pattern 1, Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), was treated with oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil and Progesterone. Pattern 2, Estrone Deficiency, was treated with topical Hydrocortisone butyrate and Estrone basis. Pattern 3, Mixed Clinical Patterns, was treated with a combination of Minoxidil, Progesterone, Hydrocortisone butyrate, and Estrone basis. The authors also mentioned the use of a reduced dose of Finasteride (0.25mg) in their clinical practice to reduce side effects and the nocebo effect. They also suggested the use of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) in combination with finasteride, despite the controversy surrounding this combination. The authors reported good results with their approach.