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Efficacy of Topical Combination of 0.25% Finasteride and 3% Minoxidil Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study

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Abstract

Background

The relationship between female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and androgenic hormones is not well established, but some evidence indicates oral finasteride may be efficacious in FPHL. Use of a topical formulation has been proposed to minimize unwanted effects.

Objectives

Our objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of topical 0.25% finasteride combined with 3% minoxidil solution and 3% minoxidil solution as monotherapy in the treatment of FPHL.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study in 30 postmenopausal women with FPHL. Each participant was randomized to receive either topical 0.25% finasteride combined with topical 3% minoxidil or topical 3% minoxidil solution as monotherapy for 24 weeks. To determine efficacy, the hair density and diameter was measured and global photographic assessment was conducted at baseline and 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Side effects and serum dihydrotestosterone levels were also evaluated.

Results

By 24 weeks, hair density and diameter had increased in both groups, and finasteride/minoxidil was significantly superior to minoxidil solution in terms of hair diameter (p = 0.039). No systemic side effects were reported. However, serum dihydrotestosterone levels in the finasteride/minoxidil group significantly decreased from baseline (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

A topical combination of 0.25% finasteride and 3% minoxidil may be a promising option in the treatment of FPHL with an additional benefit of increasing hair diameter. Nevertheless, as it may be absorbed percutaneously, it should be reserved for postmenopausal women.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.in.th; identifier TCTR20160912002.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the patients, investigators, and investigational site, whose participation made this study possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Poonkiat Suchonwanit, Wimolsiri Iamsumang & Salinee Rojhirunsakool

Authors
  1. Poonkiat Suchonwanit
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  2. Wimolsiri Iamsumang
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  3. Salinee Rojhirunsakool
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Poonkiat Suchonwanit.

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Trial registration

clinicaltrials.in.th; identifier TCTR20160912002.

Funding

No sources of funding were used to conduct this study or prepare this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

PS, WI, and SR have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this study.

Ethical approval

This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and in compliance with the International Conference on Harmonization—Good Clinical Practice and local regulatory requirements. The study was reviewed and approved by the appropriate independent ethics committees, and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects prior to study initiation. This study was approved by the MU-IRB (Mahidol University Institutional Review Board) on 16 September 2015 (Protocol number 09-58-20).

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Suchonwanit, P., Iamsumang, W. & Rojhirunsakool, S. Efficacy of Topical Combination of 0.25% Finasteride and 3% Minoxidil Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study. Am J Clin Dermatol 20, 147–153 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-018-0387-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-018-0387-0

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