Finasteride increases anagen hair in men with androgenetic alopecia

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03780.x
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T09:44:07Z
• Authors: D. Van Neste; V. Fuh; P. Sanchez-Pedreno; E. Lopez-Bran; H. Wolff; D. Whiting; J. Roberts; D. Kopera; J-J. Stene; S. Calvieri; A. Tosti; E. Prens; M. Guarrera; P. Kanojia; W. He; K.D. Kaufman
• Keywords: Male-pattern baldness; Hair cycle

Background The growth of scalp hair is a cyclical process successive phases (anagen) and rest (telogen). In previous clinical trials in men with androgenetic alopecia, treatment finasteride increased counts defined area (i.e. density). Objectives current study used phototrichogram methodology to assess the effect on cycle. Patients/Methods Two hundred twelve men, age 18–40 years, alopecia were randomized receive 1 mg daily or placebo for 48 weeks. At baseline at 24 weeks, macrophotographs taken measure total anagen count 1‐cm2 target scalp. Results baseline, mean group 200 124 hairs, respectively (% = 62%) telogen ratio was 1·74 (geometric mean). group, respective values 196 119 hairs 60%) 1·57. week 48, had net improvement (mean ± SE) compared 17·3 2·5 (8·3% 1·4%) 27·0 2·9 (26% 3·1%), (P < 0·001). Furthermore, resulted 47% this study, day−1 weeks both counts, improved ratio. Conclusions These data provide direct evidence that promotes conversion into phase. support results favourable effects quality contribute visible improvements observed treated patients.