Getting to grips with hair loss

In 1997, Dr. Wayne Elwood discussed the psychological impact of hair loss and the clinical trials of finasteride, a new treatment for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness, MPB). Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, was evaluated in large multinational, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies. Results from two phase III trials involving over 1,500 men showed that finasteride 1 mg/day led to a mean increase of 107 hairs in a 1 inch diameter circle after one year, and it prevented further hair loss, improved hair growth and appearance, and increased patient satisfaction. Another study with 326 men showed finasteride significantly improved frontal scalp hair counts after 12 months. Finasteride was well tolerated, with a small percentage experiencing decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, which often resolved with continued treatment or upon discontinuation. Finasteride was not recommended for women of child-bearing potential due to the risk of birth defects. At the time, finasteride was undergoing regulatory review for MPB treatment and was not yet available for this indication globally.