Literature Review: Topical Finasteride: To Use or Not to Use?

May 2018 in “ Hair transplant forum international ”

Nicole L. Rogers

topical finasteride androgenetic alopecia DHT RCTs prospective trials minoxidil Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Topical finasteride promotes hair growth with minimal side effects but needs more research for women and optimal use.

The systematic review by Lee et al. evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical finasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia in 256 subjects (24 female, 232 male) across seven studies, including five RCTs and two prospective trials. Results indicated that topical finasteride effectively reduced scalp DHT levels and promoted hair growth with minimal systemic side effects. The most effective regimen was identified as 100µL (0.2275mg) and 200µL (0.455mg) of 0.25% solution applied once daily. However, questions about its safety for women of childbearing potential, optimal combination with minoxidil, and preferred vehicle remain unanswered, necessitating further research and industry involvement.

View this study on ishrs-htforum.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

23 citations, April 2018 in “PubMed”

Topical finasteride reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth in men and women.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

May 2023 in “Drugs”

There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.

research Topical Finasteride for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Current Literature

13 citations, June 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Topical finasteride helps regrow hair and reduce hair loss in men and women.

research The Efficacy and Use of Finasteride in Women: A Systematic Review

23 citations, January 2019 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride improves hair growth and reduces hirsutism in women, but side effects and optimal dosages need further research.

research Does Propecia Cause More Harm Than Good: Assessing Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Effects of Finasteride on Male Health

June 2024 in “Georgetown medical review”

Finasteride treats hair loss but may cause low libido, erectile issues, and depression.

Literature Review: Topical Finasteride: To Use or Not to Use?

Related Community Posts Join

community U.S Court let Merck hide secrets about Finasteride.

community Study of thousands of Fin users over 20 years finds no evidence of Fin induced sexual dysfunction

community New Latanoprost-Based Formula Used by Hollywood Celebrities

community People need to start accepting that only medical therapy (Fin/Dut) can save your hair in the long run.

community Hair energiser tablets, useful or not?

community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men