Ann Dermatol.  2017 Jun;29(3):276-282. 10.5021/ad.2017.29.3.276.

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

• Choe SJ
• Lee S
• Choi J
• Lee WS

• KMID: 2378525
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2017.29.3.276

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.

Keyword

17a-estradiol; Androgenetic alopecia; Combination therapy; Female pattern hair loss; Minoxidil

MeSH Terms

Alopecia
Female*
Hair*
Humans
Miners
Minoxidil*
Retrospective Studies*
Treatment Outcome
Minoxidil

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Changes in the number of hairs per unit area as assessed by phototrichogram analysis after 6 months and 12 months of treatment. (A) Changes after 6 months (n=34), (B) changes after 12 months (n=19). Results are shown as the mean±standard error of the mean. *p<0.001.

• 

  Fig. 2 Changes in hair thickness as assessed by phototrichogram analysis after 6 months and 12 months of treatment. (A) Changes after 6 months (n=34), (B) changes after 12 months (n=19). Results are shown as the mean±standard error of the mean. *p<0.05, **p<0.01.

• 

  Fig. 3 Changes in hair count after treatment according to disease severity and the presence of family history of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). FHx: family history of AGA, FPHL: female pattern hair loss. Results are shown as the mean±standard error of the mean. *p<0.05, **p<0.01.

• 

  Fig. 4 Effectiveness of hair regrowth in 2 patients with female pattern hair loss after 6 months of treatment.

• 

  Fig. 5 Overall photographic evaluation of improvement.

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