Local Therapy of Androgenetic Alopecia with 17 Alpha-Estradiol: A Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study

In a controlled, randomized double-blind study from 43 years ago, 51 patients with androgenetic alopecia and increased hair loss were treated with hair lotions with and without 17 alpha-estradiol (0.025%) for at least 6 months. The results showed that 63% of the patients treated with the 17 alpha-estradiol lotion experienced a reduction in the amount of telogen hairs, compared to only 37% in the control group. Only 11% of the treated group worsened, in contrast to 50% of the control group. The amount of growing anagen hairs and of seborrhea did not change significantly in both groups. No side effects were observed. The study concluded that hair lotions containing 17 alpha-estradiol may have a therapeutic value in reducing androgenetic hair loss when applied topically for a long period of time. However, no regrowth of new hair was found.