J Am Acad Dermatol 1999 Jun;40(6 Pt 1):930-7

Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hairloss.

Leyden J, Dunlap F, Miller B, Winters P, Lebwohl M,
Hecker D, Kraus S, Baldwin H, Shalita A, Draelos Z, Markou
M, Thiboutot D, Rapaport M, Kang S, Kelly T, Pariser D,
Webster G, Hordinsky M, Rietschel R, Katz HI, Terranella
L, Best S, Round E, Waldstreicher J

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.

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 hairloss. 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 hairloss in the anterior/mid area of the scalp, finasteride 1 mg/day slowed hairloss and increased hair growth.