Oral Finasteride (5 mg and 2 mg) versus Topical Minoxidil 5% in Female Pattern Hair Loss
Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has a negative psychological and social impact. Lacks of consensus for its treatment as well as inconsistent response to treatment modalities are considered major challenges for physicians. Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of oral finasteride...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Clinical Dermatology Review |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/cdr.cdr_87_24 |
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| Summary: | Background:
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) has a negative psychological and social impact. Lacks of consensus for its treatment as well as inconsistent response to treatment modalities are considered major challenges for physicians.
Objectives:
To assess the safety and efficacy of oral finasteride 5 mg and 2 mg versus topical minoxidil 5% in FPHL both clinically and by trichoscopy.
Patients and Methods:
Forty-five females with FPHL were included in the study for 6-month duration. Fifteen patients in Group A received oral finasteride 5 mg daily, 15 patients in Group B received oral finasteride 2 mg daily, and 15 patients in Group C were treated with topical minoxidil 5% solution. Assessment was done using Sinclair scale, photography, trichoscopy, degree of improvement, and patient satisfaction scale.
Results:
Significant improvement of Sinclair scale, hair density, and yellow dots in each group was noted along the treatment period; however, no further improvement of hair density in Group B after the 3rd month was detected. There was significant higher improvement in the hair density in Group A and C than Group B. The degree of improvement and patient satisfaction were significantly greater in Group A and C than Group B. A negative correlation between degree of improvement and patient’s age was observed in Group B.
Conclusion:
Oral finasteride 5 mg and topical minoxidil 5% gave comparable results in FPHL, yet both provided greater and maintained response than 2 mg finasteride. In addition, low-dose finasteride gave better responses in the younger age group. However, all three treatment options were safe in the treatment of FPHL. |
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| ISSN: | 2542-551X 2542-5528 |