Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

February 1992 in “ The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism ”

A. R. Diani, Michael W. Mulholland, Kathy L. Shull, Marc F. Kubicek, Garland A. Johnson, Heinrich J. Schostarez, Marshall N. Brunden, Allen E. Buhl

finasteride 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor minoxidil topical minoxidil male pattern baldness androgenic alopecia Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Finasteride and minoxidil together promote hair growth better than either alone.

The study examined the effects of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, alone and in combination with topical minoxidil on hair growth in balding stumptail macaques. The results showed that the combination of finasteride and minoxidil was more effective in promoting hair growth than either treatment alone. The study suggests that finasteride may be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Reversal of Androgenetic Alopecia in a Male: A Spironolactone Effect?

3 citations , July 1990 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

A man's baldness improved possibly due to a medication that blocks male hormones.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.

research Topical Antiandrogens in the Treatment of Male-Pattern Baldness

10 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in dermatology”

Topical antiandrogens might be a good option for male-pattern baldness with fewer side effects, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.

research Topical Minoxidil Does Not Act as an Antiandrogen in the Flank Organ of the Golden Syrian Hamster

26 citations , January 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil does not block androgen effects.

Related Community Posts Join

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community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

28 upvotes 11 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community Hair Loss Drugs Ranked in Order of Efficacy

in Research/Science 67 upvotes 1 year ago

Dutasteride is likely the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, followed by finasteride and minoxidil in various forms and dosages. Users discuss personal experiences, dosages, and potential side effects, with some considering combining treatments for better results.

community Dutasteride thins eyebrows and facial hair but doesn't stop scalp loss.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 37 upvotes 4 months ago

Dutasteride may not effectively stop scalp hair loss and can cause thinning of facial and body hair, including eyebrows. Users suggest considering other causes like autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies and exploring treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.

community Topical Finasteride Doesn't Directly Reduce 5ar Enzyme on Scalp

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 2 years ago

Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.

community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

in General 471 upvotes 1 week ago

A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

community Day 1 vs Day 168 (today) of defeating the norwood reaper

in Progress Pictures 1526 upvotes 1 year ago

The user achieved significant hair regrowth using topical 5% minoxidil and oral 1mg finasteride daily, especially around the temples. They experienced minimal side effects, with initial difficulty maintaining erections that resolved after a few weeks.

Related Research

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research Combination Therapy with Oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride in the Treatment of Male Patterned Baldness: A Case Report

January 2022 in “Cosmoderma”

Using oral minoxidil and dutasteride together can quickly increase hair growth and volume with minimal side effects.

research Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

January 1998 in “NEJM Journal Watch”

Finasteride increases hair count in men with hair loss, but the effect isn't permanent and hair loss returns if treatment stops.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

30 citations , August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.