Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

June 2002 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Patrick Vexiau, C Chaspoux, Philippe Boudou, Jean Fiet, C Jouanique, N. Hardy, Pascal Reygagne

minoxidil cyproterone acetate androgenetic alopecia scalp seborrhoea hyperandrogenism Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

This study from 20 years ago compared the effectiveness of minoxidil 2% and cyproterone acetate treatments on female androgenetic alopecia. The study involved 66 patients who were randomized into two groups. The results showed that both treatments led to a significant increase in the total number of hairs, but the minoxidil group had a stronger response. Patients on cyproterone acetate had a greater reduction in scalp seborrhoea, but also experienced more menstrual cycle irregularities. Overall, the study suggests that minoxidil may be a more effective treatment for female androgenetic alopecia, especially when alopecia is the only symptom and there are no signs of hyperandrogenism.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Role of Androgens in Female-Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia, Either Alone or Associated with Other Symptoms of Hyperandrogenism

47 citations , December 2000 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Androgens significantly affect female hair loss, and hormonal treatments may help.

research Obesity and Female Androgenic Alopecia: A Cause and an Effect?

7 citations , June 1994 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Obesity may contribute to female hair loss by increasing male hormone levels that affect hair follicles.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female: Treatment with 2% Topical Minoxidil Solution

26 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

research Use of Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

58 citations , October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia with Minoxidil 2%

43 citations , November 1992 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 2% effectively treats female hair loss, promoting growth and density.

research Scalp Immersion Proxigraphy: An Improved Imaging Technique for Phototrichogram Analysis

28 citations , October 1992 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

SIP is a better method for measuring hair growth accurately.

research Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth: Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and the Effect of Minoxidil

85 citations , December 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research The Therapeutic Use of Topical Minoxidil

33 citations , April 1990 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, with better results in women.

research Three Percent Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Female Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Using 3% topical minoxidil can help women with hair loss, but more research is needed.

research Etiology and Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia

9 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Hair loss is caused by genetics and hormones, diagnosed through examination and biopsy, and treated with medications or surgery.

Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

research Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

13 citations , September 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Women with more 3α,17β-androstanediol glucuronide compared to sex hormone binding globulin are more likely to have female pattern baldness.

research Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women

43 citations , July 1984 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Antiandrogen therapy helped increase hair growth in women with hormonal imbalances related to baldness.

research Treatment of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia with Cyproterone Acetate

39 citations , January 1980 in “Dermatology”

Cyproterone acetate was effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and alopecia with few side effects.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Acne, Hirsutism, and Virilism

232 citations , June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Medical Treatment Regimens of Hirsutism

12 citations , January 2004 in “Reproductive biomedicine online”

Low-dose anti-androgen drugs and certain drug combinations are effective for hirsutism, and insulin sensitizers show promise, especially for those with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy for Hirsutism Is as Effective as High Dose Cyproterone Acetate but Results in a Longer Remission

research Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy for Hirsutism Is as Effective as High Dose Cyproterone Acetate but Results in a Longer Remission

49 citations , April 1997 in “Human reproduction”

Hormone therapy for excessive hair growth is as good with GnRHa as with high-dose CPA, but GnRHa has longer-lasting results.