Oral Finasteride (5 mg and 2 mg) Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% in Female Pattern Hair Loss

The study involving 45 female participants over 6 months compared oral finasteride (5 mg and 2 mg) and topical minoxidil 5% for treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Both finasteride 5 mg and topical minoxidil 5% significantly increased hair density and patient satisfaction, with 33.3% of participants in these groups experiencing great improvement. Finasteride 2 mg showed less improvement. Mild side effects were reported in 20% of participants using finasteride 5 mg and minoxidil 5%, while no side effects were reported with finasteride 2 mg. The study suggests finasteride 5 mg and topical minoxidil 5% are effective for FPHL, with finasteride 5 mg showing the highest satisfaction rates. Limitations included a small sample size and lack of comparison between pre- and postmenopausal FPHL.