Hormonal Treatment for Male-Pattern Hair Loss: Implications for Cancer of the Prostate

November 2002 in “ BJUI ”

W. G. Anderson, N.M. Harris, Stuart Holmes

finasteride male-pattern hair loss MPHL prostate-specific antigen PSA hormonal treatments Propecia

TLDR Finasteride treats hair loss but may affect prostate cancer detection.

This article discusses the use of finasteride for male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) and its potential implications for prostate cancer. While finasteride has been shown to be effective in treating MPHL, there are concerns about its effects on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the potential for masking the detection of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between hormonal treatments for hair loss and prostate cancer.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Immunohistochemical localization of types 1 and 2 5α-reductase in human scalp

100 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that two enzymes linked to hair loss are located in different parts of the scalp, supporting a common treatment's effectiveness.

research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.