Therapy of Androgenetic Alopecia with Finasteride: What Must Be Considered in Consultation and Drug Prescribing

September 1999 in “ PubMed ”

Helmut H. Wolff, Christian Kunte

finasteride androgenetic alopecia 5-alpha-reductase II dihydrotestosterone testosterone Propecia DHT

TLDR Finasteride effectively thickens hair in men with minimal side effects.

Finasteride was used to treat androgenetic alopecia in men by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase II, reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by about 70% and increasing testosterone by 10%. A study with over 1,500 men showed that 48% of participants experienced visibly thicker hair after 1 year, and 66% after 2 years, compared to 7% in the placebo group. Side effects such as decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, and erectile dysfunction were reported in fewer than 2% of participants in both the finasteride and placebo groups.

View this study on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 673 upvotes 1 year ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community My Theory Regarding a Cause and Cure for Androgenetic Alopecia

in Treatment 96 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 104 upvotes 3 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Is there a topical androgen receptor blocker so we don't have to fuck with the enzyme and destroy our allopregnanolone, but go and hit the end target straight?

in Treatment 44 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses topical androgen receptor blockers for hair loss, mentioning Clascoterone, Pyrilutamide, GT20029, and RU58841. Ketoconazole's effectiveness and application methods are also debated.

community Topical Finasteride Doesn't Directly Reduce 5ar Enzyme on Scalp

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 72 upvotes 2 years ago

Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.

Related Research

10 / 10 results

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Female Androgenic Alopecia

November 2014 in “PharmaTutor”

Finasteride may help postmenopausal women with hair loss but is not effective for all and should be used cautiously in premenopausal women.

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

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

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

January 1998 in “NEJM Journal Watch”

Finasteride increases hair count in men with hair loss, but the effect isn't permanent and hair loss returns if treatment stops.

The Effects of Finasteride on Hair Growth, Hair Cycle Stage, and Serum Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone in Adult Male and Female Stumptail Macaques

research The Effects of Finasteride on Hair Growth, Hair Cycle Stage, and Serum Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone in Adult Male and Female Stumptail Macaques

11 citations , October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride increases hair growth, prolongs hair cycle, and lowers dihydrotestosterone levels.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.