Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):930-7. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70081-2.

Abstract

Background: Finasteride, a specific inhibitor of type II 5alpha-reductase, decreases serum and scalp dihydrotestosterone and has been shown to be effective in men with vertex male pattern hair loss.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of finasteride 1 mg/day in men with frontal (anterior/mid) scalp hair thinning.

Methods: This was a 1-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed by a 1-year open extension. Efficacy was assessed by hair counts (1 cm2 circular area), patient and investigator assessments, and global photographic review.

Results: There was a significant increase in hair count in the frontal scalp of finasteride-treated patients (P < .001), as well as significant improvements in patient, investigator, and global photographic assessments. Efficacy was maintained or improved throughout the second year of the study. Finasteride was generally well tolerated.

Conclusion: In men with hair loss in the anterior/mid area of the scalp, finasteride 1 mg/day slowed hair loss and increased hair growth.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
  • Adult
  • Alopecia / drug therapy*
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Finasteride / adverse effects
  • Finasteride / therapeutic use*
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Satisfaction

Substances

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Finasteride