Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss
October 2008
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
This document discusses medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss, including minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride. The authors outline the mechanisms of action, side effects, and expected results of each medication approved by the FDA. Studies have shown that minoxidil and finasteride are effective in treating hair loss in men, while minoxidil is currently the standard treatment for hair loss in women. Dutasteride is more potent than finasteride but has more potential side effects. Other treatments, such as spironolactone and cyproterone acetate, are briefly mentioned. The document also discusses potential side effects of each medication and suggests that personal preferences should be considered when determining the best treatment option.
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Cited in this study
research A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.
research Finasteride 5mg and Sexual Side Effects: How Many of these are Related to a Nocebo Phenomenon?
Knowing about finasteride's sexual side effects increases reported dysfunction.
research The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro
A tripeptide-copper complex may help hair grow by increasing cell growth and decreasing cell death.
research Spermatozoa and Chronic Treatment with Finasteride: A TEM and FISH Study
Finasteride may negatively affect male fertility.
research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men
Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
research Promotive Effect of Minoxidil Combined with All-trans Retinoic Acid (tretinoin) on Human Hair Growth in Vitro
Minoxidil and ATRA together boost hair growth more effectively than minoxidil alone.
research The current role of laser/light sources in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
Laser/light treatments for hair loss are popular but lack scientific data proving effectiveness.
research Dutasteride improves male pattern hair loss in a randomized study in identical twins
Dutasteride helps slow hair loss and boosts hair growth.
research Traction alopecia: 2% topical minoxidil shows promise. Report of two cases
Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in traction alopecia.
research Effect of 1 mg/day finasteride on concentrations of serum prostate-specific antigen in men with androgenic alopecia: a randomised controlled trial
Taking 1 mg/day finasteride for hair loss significantly lowers PSA levels in men, which may affect prostate cancer screening.
research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss
Combined minoxidil and tretinoin solution works as well as regular minoxidil for male hair loss.
research Reversal of androgenetic alopecia by topical ketoconzole: Relevance of anti-androgenic activity
Ketoconazole lotion can improve hair regrowth for some people with androgenetic alopecia.
research Effect of finasteride 5 mg (Proscar) on acne and alopecia in female patients with normal serum levels of free testosterone
Finasteride improves acne and hair loss in women with normal testosterone.
research The importance of dual 5α-reductase inhibition in the treatment of male pattern hair loss: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled study of dutasteride versus finasteride
Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.
research Finasteride induced depression: a prospective study
Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.
research Changes in hair weight in men with androgenetic alopecia after treatment with finasteride (1 mg daily): Three- and 4-year results
Finasteride increases hair weight and count in men with hair loss, with best results after four years.
research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.
research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant
Finasteride improves surrounding scalp hair and increases hair density after hair transplant.
research Topical Application of Ketoconazole Stimulates Hair Growth in C3H/HeN Mice
Putting ketoconazole on the skin can help mice grow hair.
research Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogens
Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.
research Marked Suppression of Dihydrotestosterone in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Dutasteride, a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor
research A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.
research Effect of minoxidil on proliferation and apoptosis in dermal papilla cells of human hair follicle
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by increasing cell production and survival.
research Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
research Ketocazole as an adjunct to finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
Ketoconazole shampoo with finasteride improves hair density in men with hair loss.
research Topically applied minoxidil may cause fetal malformation: A case report
Minoxidil use during pregnancy may cause fetal harm.
research Finasteride Treatment May Not Prevent Telogen Effluvium After Minoxidil Withdrawal
Finasteride may not stop severe hair loss after stopping minoxidil.
research Safety of Topical Minoxidil Solution: A One-Year, Prospective, Observational Study
Minoxidil solution safely and effectively treats hair loss.
research Hypertrichosis in females applying minoxidil topical solution and in normal controls
Minoxidil use increases facial hair growth in females, more in older users.
research Female pattern hair loss
Use "female pattern hair loss" term, finasteride may help, more research needed.
research Hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism: Four cases responding to finasteride
Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.
research The Potential Role of Minoxidil in the Hair Transplantation Setting
Minoxidil helps stabilize hair loss, increase density, and reduce shedding after hair transplant surgery.
research Depression Circumstantially Related to the Administration of Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia
Finasteride for hair loss may cause depression, affecting sleep and relationships.
research A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.
research Comparative Efficacy of Various Treatment Regimens for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men
Best hair growth results from combining finasteride and minoxidil.
research Effects of minoxidil 2% vs. cyproterone acetate treatment on female androgenetic alopecia: a controlled, 12-month randomized trial
Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.
research Changes in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia after treatment with finasteride, 1 mg, daily
Finasteride increases hair weight and count in men with hair loss.
research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-α-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Natural 5AR inhibitors effectively improve mild to moderate hair loss in men.
research Allergic contact dermatitis to topical minoxidil solution: Etiology and treatment
Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.
research Lack of efficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.
research CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH FINASTERIDE DAILY DOES NOT AFFECT SPERMATOGENESIS OR SEMEN PRODUCTION IN YOUNG MEN
Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.
research Finasteride increases anagen hair in men with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride helps increase hair growth in men with hair loss.
research Changes in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia, after application of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil, placebo, or no treatment
Minoxidil increases hair weight and count temporarily in men with hair loss.
research Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss
Finasteride effectively treats frontal hair loss with few side effects.
research Finasteride
Finasteride effectively treats baldness but may cause sexual side effects.
research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
research Retinoids and hair growth
research Minoxidil upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human hair dermal papilla cells
Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.
research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.
research Diffuse hypertrichosis during treatment with 5% topical minoxidil
research A randomized trial of minoxidil in chemotherapy-induced alopecia
Minoxidil shortens baldness from chemotherapy by 50.2 days without significant side effects.
research Allergic contact dermatitis from minoxidil
Minoxidil can cause allergic reactions, but testing helps identify the cause.
research The effects of finasteride (Proscar) on hair growth, hair cycle stage, and serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in adult male and female stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)
research Minoxidil (Mx) as a prophylaxis of doxorubicin – induced alopecia
Minoxidil not effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness
research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle
Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.
research Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata: No Effect on the Perifollicular Lymphoid Infiltration
Minoxidil doesn't affect perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in alopecia areata patients.
research 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
Taking finasteride pills and using minoxidil lotion together can help grow hair.
research Allergic contact dermatitis from minoxidil
Some people using minoxidil for hair loss developed an allergic skin reaction, often related to an ingredient that helps minoxidil work better.
research Contact dermatitis in reaction to 2% topical minoxidil solution
Minoxidil solution can cause skin irritation and allergies in some users.
research Localization of Minoxidil Sulfotransferase in Rat Liver and the Outer Root Sheath of Anagen Pelage and Vibrissa Follicles
Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.
research Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth I. Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: Effect of Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.
research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite that Stimulates Hair Follicles
Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.
research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats
Minoxidil speeds up hair growth in rats without prolonging growth phase.
research Five-year follow-up of men with androgenetic alopecia treated with topical minoxidil
Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.
research Influence of tretinoin on the percutaneous absorption of minoxidil from an aqueous topical solution
Tretinoin cream boosts minoxidil absorption, possibly improving hair loss treatment.
research Extensive alopecia areata: Results of treatment with 3% topical minoxidil
3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata.
research Topical Minoxidil Used Before and After Hair Transplantation
Using topical minoxidil before and after hair transplant surgery can reduce shedding and improve hair regrowth.
research Histologic Response to Topically Applied Minoxidil in Male-Pattern Alopecia
Minoxidil can help grow hair and make hair follicles bigger, but it can also cause side effects.
research Selective inhibition by minoxidil of prostacyclin production by cells in culture
Minoxidil stops cells from making prostacyclin, which may help with hair growth. More research is needed.
research Allergic contact dermatitis from Minoxidil
Some patients using Minoxidil for baldness developed allergic skin reactions.
research Alterations in scalp blood flow after the epicutaneous application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in alopecia
Minoxidil didn't increase scalp blood flow for hair growth, but hexyl nicotinate did.
research Suppression of fibroblast proliferation and lysyl hydroxylase activity by minoxidil.
Minoxidil slows fibroblast growth and collagen production, potentially treating keloids, hypertrophic scars, and connective tissue disorders.
research Allergic contact dermatitis from Minoxidil
Minoxidil can cause allergic skin reactions in some users.
research Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: Effects of discontinuation of treatment
Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.
research Safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia
Minoxidil helps hair growth and prevents hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It's safe and effective.
research Use of topical minoxidil as a possible adjunct to hair transplant surgery
Minoxidil may help hair growth after transplant surgery.
research Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of topical minoxidil in extensive alopecia areata
Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.
research Action of topical minoxidil in the bald stump-tailed macaque
Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.
research Androgenetic alopecia: Treatment results with topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.
research Topical minoxidil in early androgenetic alopecia
Using minoxidil on balding scalps can stimulate hair regrowth and increase blood flow. It's an effective treatment for early hair loss.
research Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.
research Effects of Minoxidil on Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts
Minoxidil slows down skin cell growth and may help treat scars and skin conditions.
research Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion
research Dose-response study of topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness
Lowest effective minoxidil concentration is 1%, but 2% works better for male pattern baldness.
research The stumptailed macaque as a model for baldness: effects of minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth in early baldness stages and prevents baldness in non-bald scalps.
research Allergic contact dermatitis to Minoxidil
Minoxidil can cause allergic reactions like burning, itching, and red bumps.
research Topically Applied Minoxidil in Baldness
Minoxidil helps hair growth, but results vary.
research In Vitro Suppression of Human Lymphocyte Activity by Minoxidil
Minoxidil may help hair growth by stopping immune system attacks on hair follicles.
research Topical minoxidil for hair regrowth
5% minoxidil helps hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia.
research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography
Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.
research Alopecia areata treated with topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
research Direct Effects of Minoxidil on Epidermal Cells in Culture
Minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing cell division and DNA synthesis.
research Effect of Minoxidil on Cultured Keratinocytes
Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.
research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.
research Minoxidil: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use.
Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension but may cause side effects, so careful monitoring is needed.
research Reversal of Baldness in Patient Receiving Minoxidil for Hypertension
Minoxidil helped bald patient regrow hair.
research Hypertrichosis due to minoxidil
Minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth.
research Minoxidil for Severe Hypertension After Failure of Other Hypotensive Drugs
Minoxidil effectively controls blood pressure in severe cases, but has serious side effects and causes hair growth in women.
research MINOXIDIL IN RESISTANT HYPERTENSION
Minoxidil with propranolol and diuretics lowers blood pressure but causes fluid retention and hair growth.
Related
research Diagnosis and management of the hair loss patient.
Most hair loss cases are caused by four main conditions, and understanding them is key to treatment.
research Hair loss
Hair loss has many causes and treatments, and losing some hair daily is normal; proper diagnosis is key, and minoxidil can help treat it.