What Is the Role of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia? An Evidence-Based Review

The document from 2020 is a review of the role of 5α-reductase inhibitors in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The authors conducted a literature search of Clinical Guidance Norms, Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, and Randomized Clinical Trials published between 1/1/2009 and 8/3/2019. Out of 91 articles, 5 met the inclusion criteria: 4 Meta-Analyses and 1 Systematic Review. The studies generally showed that 5α-reductase inhibitors are effective in treating alopecia, generally superior to placebo. The authors concluded that 5α-reductase inhibitors could be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia with a recommendation strength B (SORT). They noted that future trials are needed to clarify if there is a preferred drug within this class, as well as the dose and duration that allows the individual to have the greatest benefit with the least risk of adverse effects. They also mentioned the need to clarify if the therapeutic benefit is the same in both sexes.