Therapeutic Efficacy of a Combination Therapy of Topical 17α-Estradiol and Topical Minoxidil on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Noncomparative, Retrospective Evaluation.
- Author:
Sung Jay CHOE
1
;
Solam LEE
;
Jaewoong CHOI
;
Won Soo LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: 17a-estradiol; Androgenetic alopecia; Combination therapy; Female pattern hair loss; Minoxidil
- MeSH: Alopecia; Female*; Hair*; Humans; Miners; Minoxidil*; Retrospective Studies*; Treatment Outcome
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2017;29(3):276-282
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: A variety of agents have been used to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL), including topical minoxidil, topical 17α-estradiol, oral anti-androgen agents, and mineral supplements. Compared with these single agent regimens, combination therapies could be a better therapeutic option in expectation of superior treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil in Korean patients with FPHL. METHODS: Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in 34 women who applied topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil once daily for more than 6 months. Phototrichogram analysis was performed before and after therapy. The efficacy was evaluated with respect to total hair count, hair caliber (as assessed by phototrichogram analysis), and photographic assessment. RESULTS: Total hair count and hair caliber both increased from baseline to 6 months in patients treated with the combination therapy of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil (p<0.001). Photographic assessment also revealed significant disease improvement, thus supporting the therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil can be tried as an effective treatment for FPHL.
