Although the link between female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and androgenic hormones was not well established, researchers suggested that oral finasteride might be effective in FPHL. To reduce the likelihood of side effects, a topical formulation had been developed. For a study, researchers assessed the effectiveness and safety of topical 0.25% finasteride in combination with 3% minoxidil solution or with 3% minoxidil solution alone in the treatment of FPHL. A total of 30 postmenopausal women with FPHL participated in the prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. For 24 weeks, each participant was randomly assigned to either topical 0.25% finasteride mixed with topical 3% minoxidil or topical 3% minoxidil solution as monotherapy. To ascertain effectiveness, hair density and diameter were examined, as well as a general photographic evaluation at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. The drug’s side effects and serum dihydrotestosterone levels were also assessed.
Hair density and diameter had grown in both groups after 24 weeks, with finasteride/minoxidil considerably outperforming minoxidil solution in terms of hair diameter (P=0.039). There were no reports of systemic negative effects. Serum dihydrotestosterone levels in the finasteride/minoxidil group, on the other hand, declined considerably from baseline (p=0.016).
A topical combination of 0.25% finasteride and 3% minoxidil might be an effective therapeutic option for FPHL, with the added benefit of increasing hair diameter. Nonetheless, because it may be absorbed via the skin, it should be reserved for postmenopausal women.
Reference:link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-018-0387-0
