Lack of Effect of Topical Finasteride Suggests an Endocrine Role for Dihydrotestosterone

August 2000 in “ Fertility and Sterility ”

Thomas M Price, Susan Allen, G. Vernon Pegram

topical finasteride dihydrotestosterone DHT androgenetic alopecia endocrine role hair follicle androgen-dependent hair growth Propecia

TLDR Topical finasteride doesn't reduce DHT levels, hinting at an endocrine role in hair loss.

A study presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecological Investigation investigated the effectiveness of topical finasteride in reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp. The results showed that topical finasteride did not significantly reduce DHT levels, suggesting that DHT may have an endocrine role in hair loss. The study involved 12 men with androgenetic alopecia. The study suggests that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a role in androgen-dependent hair growth, and that finasteride may not be effective in treating hair loss through the inhibition of DHT production at the hair follicle level.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism: New Therapeutic Perspectives

50 citations, July 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively treats hirsutism in women, but more research needed for long-term results.

research Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Finasteride

93 citations, January 1996 in “Clinical Pharmacokinectics”

Finasteride helps regrow hair and shrink prostate by reducing DHT, with some sexual side effects.

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community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 667 upvotes 1 month 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 Scalp tension and thickness of the galea aponeurotica, inflammation and potential treatment pathways

in Research/Science 2 years ago

Scalp tension potentially affecting hair loss, and potential treatments for male pattern baldness such as Minoxidil, Finasteride and RU58841. Evidence from a study was discussed which suggests that the cause of MPB lies within the follicle itself and is not dependent on its surrounding environment.

community Dutasteride SAVES your hair follicles: MAJOR BS on people who say it destroyed their hair permanently.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 156 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.

community 19 yo destroyed hairline even though using Fin/min/microneedling for 16months/11months/3months … Idk what to do.

in Progress Pictures 257 upvotes 10 months ago

A 19-year-old has been using finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling to treat hair loss with no regrowth, feeling mentally affected by it. Advice given includes continuing treatment, considering a hair transplant, addressing potential vitamin deficiencies, and possibly switching to dutasteride or adding ketoconazole shampoo.

community Ultimate DHT/finasteride microdosing graph to replace the commonly one referenced on forums

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 204 upvotes 3 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically, discussing the effectiveness and side effects of finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 in various microdoses. It also includes an updated graph which provides information on how different doses affect DHT levels, scalp skin and serum androgen levels, as well as hair count.

community 15 months total on Dut/Min/RU and microneedling 1mm every other week

in Progress Pictures 1746 upvotes 2 months ago

The user reported significant hair improvement over 15 months using dutasteride, minoxidil (oral and topical), RU58841, ketoconazole, and microneedling. They are considering a hair transplant in 4-6 months.

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