Medications and hair transplantation
November 2009
in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”
TLDR Minoxidil and finasteride combined can effectively treat hair loss.
This document from 2009 discusses the use of medications in combination with hair transplantation for the treatment of hair loss. Minoxidil is the most commonly used medication and is effective in both male and female pattern hair loss. Finasteride is also discussed as a potential treatment option, but its effectiveness in female pattern hair loss is uncertain. Other medications such as dutasteride, fluridil, ketoconazole, and systemic antiandrogens are also mentioned. The document emphasizes the importance of hair restoration surgeons being familiar with medical options for hair loss patients and recognizing when medical therapy is appropriate. Combination therapy with minoxidil and finasteride is recommended for motivated patients.
View this study on cambridge.org →
Cited in this study
research Dutasteride improves male pattern hair loss in a randomized study in identical twins
Dutasteride helps slow hair loss and boosts hair growth.
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 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 Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.
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 Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss
Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.
research Pharmacologic management of pattern hair loss
Treat pattern hair loss with finasteride and topical minoxidil.
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 Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women
Finasteride can slow hair loss and promote growth in postmenopausal women.
research Development of fluridil, a topical suppressor of the androgen receptor in androgenetic alopecia
Fluridil promotes hair growth safely and effectively for androgenetic alopecia.
research Treatment of hyperandrogenic alopecia in women
Flutamide may slightly improve hair loss in women, but finasteride does not work.
research Fluridil, a Rationally Designed Topical Agent for Androgenetic Alopecia: First Clinical Experience
Fluridil safely promotes hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
research Lack of efficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.
research Immunohistochemical localization of types 1 and 2 5α-reductase in human scalp
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 Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth I. Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: Effect of Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.
Related
research High-dose finasteride is an effective treatment modality for androgenic alopecia in postmenopausal women
research Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review
No cure for female pattern hair loss, but various effective treatments exist.
research Clomiphene citrate rescue of spermatogenesis in men with infertility while remaining on finasteride: A case report
Clomiphene citrate improves fertility in men taking finasteride for hair loss.
research The Hirsute Woman: Challenges in Evaluation and Management
Most hirsutism cases are due to PCOS, and treatment focuses on lowering testosterone and blocking its effects.
research Treatment of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome
Hormonal therapies are effective for managing hair and skin symptoms in women with PCOS.
research A review of hormonal therapy for female pattern (androgenic) alopecia
Hormonal therapies like cyproterone acetate and spironolactone may help some women with hair loss, but finasteride 1mg is not useful, and the effectiveness of other treatments is still unclear.
research Relative Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Treatment of Hirsutism
Finasteride reduces hirsutism effectively with fewer side effects but is a second-choice treatment due to safety concerns.
research Management of androgenetic alopecia
Treat hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, or surgery; consider side effects and severity.
research Use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) in the treatment of acne, hirsutism and virilism
Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.