Finasteride and Oral Contraceptives May Promote Hair Regrowth Among Women By W. Darren

Female pattern baldness or “androgenetic alopecia” is quite common. If you have this condition, the onset of baldness will begin as soon as you reach the age of thirty. You will experience excessive hair shedding and hair thinning becomes quite noticeable. However, unlike men, women with androgenetic alopecia will preserve their frontal hairline. Women will not go entirely bald as well. Instead, they will just experience hair thinning on the side portions of the head.

Based on the recent statistics, an estimated 50% of all women around the globe will develop androgentic alopecia. And, although hair loss itself is not an alarming condition, its effects are. Women who have female pattern baldness often lose their self confidence and develop feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. Without immediate and continuous treatment, their condition worsens as well as the effects of the condition.

Over the past few years, the most recommended treatment for hair loss is the use of Minoxidil. This medication usually comes in the form of foam, cream, or shampoo. Minoxidil is directly applied on the scalp in order to promote hair growth and slow down the hair loss process. However, recent studies showed that although minoxidil is quite effective, some patients “repel” its effects. Fortunately, a recent study showed that Finasteride, a hair loss medication used for men, can now be used to treat baldness among women.

The Details of the Study…

Finasteride is a prescription medication that is often used for men. Unlike Minoxidil, it comes in the form of a pill that should be taken everyday. This drug usually works by halting the conversion of testosterone into DHT or dihydrotestorone. Finasteride is not recommended for women primarily because it is often associated with some birth defects. Fortunately, a recent study which appeared in the Archives of Dermatology now proves that Finasteride can also be used among women for as long as they are combined with oral contraceptives.

The study was conducted by Dr. Matilde Iorizzo and other researchers from the University of Bologna, Italy. In the said study, the researchers assessed the efficiency of 2.5 milligrams of Finasteride. The oral medication was taken daily along with an oral contraceptive that reduce male hormonal levels. The research involved thirty-seven women who were aged 19 to 50 years old. During the research period, the researchers took photographs of the heads of the patients prior to the medications and then, 12 months after the medication period. Hair density was evaluated through the use of computerized light video-dermoscopy.

After the one-year medication period, 62% of the study respondents were categorized as “improved” conditions, as shown by the photographs. Unfortunately, 13 patients did not experience an improved condition while the hair loss condition of one respondent significantly progressed. Through the use of a questionnaire, the researchers also assessed the patient’s points of view. Twenty nine of the respondents claimed that their condition had improved and the rest said that the treatment “stabilized” their baldness. Contrary to the dermoscopy findings, none of the respondents reported that her hair loss condition got worse.

According to Dr. Iorizzo, "This treatment was well accepted by the patients, who judged the results to be even better than did the investigators." Aside from proving the efficiency of Finasteride and contraceptives, researchers pointed out that the results of the study may encourage further studies on the efficacy of the drug as compared to oral anti-androgens.

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