Therapeutic Efficacy of a Combination Therapy of Topical 17α-Estradiol and Topical Minoxidil on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Noncomparative, Retrospective Evaluation

• Published in: Annals of dermatology Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 276 - 282
• Main Authors: Choe, Sung Jay, Lee, Solam, Choi, Jaewoong, Lee, Won-Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology 01.06.2017; 대한피부과학회
• Subjects: Original; 피부과학; Female pattern hair loss; 17a-estradiol; Combination therapy; Minoxidil; Androgenetic alopecia
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894
• DOI: 10.5021/ad.2017.29.3.276

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. 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. 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. 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 ( <0.001). Photographic assessment also revealed significant disease improvement, thus supporting the therapeutic efficacy. A combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil can be tried as an effective treatment for FPHL.