Background Finasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor that has proved to be an effective treatment for men with androgenetic alopecia. Objectives To investigate the hormonal influence of finasteride 1 mg daily on hormonal levels and hair growth in men of different ages and with different degrees of alopecia according to the Hamilton-Norwood scale. Methods Two hundred and seventy men aged 14-58 years with male androgenetic alopecia III-VI Hamilton-Norwood score (II-III Ebling score) were treated with finasteride 1 mg daily. Steroid hormone (free testosterone, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate, delta4-androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and sebum levels, and trichogram changes were determined at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results According to significant hormonal statistical analysis, the patients were divided by age (up to or over 26 years). In the group of patients 26 years. No variations in sebum levels were observed. Conclusions High levels of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in patients



Seville, Spain 41071
Spain

Departments Name: Department of Dermatology
Institution name: Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena
Authors: Camacho FM, García-Hernández MJ, Fernández-Crehuet JL.
Journal Name: Br J Dermatol.
Data: 2008, May
Volume: 158(5):1121-4
Country: Spain