Date of Award
2012
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Finasteride is effective in reducing/reversing the symptoms of androgenic alopecia.
STUDY DESIGN: Reviewed three English primary studies published in 2006, 2008, and 2009. DATA
SOURCES: All Studies were randomized controlled trials comparing Finasteride to placebo or other hair loss treatments were found using PubMED, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane research databases.
OUTCOME MEASURED: Overall reduction in size of balding area based on measurements of total hair counts. Measurements were based on macrographical analysis of test subjects’ balding area, as well as global photographical analysis carried out by the investigators of each trial study. Test subjects were given self assessment questionnaires to gather subjective views of the treatment.
RESULTS: All three randomized controlled trials included in this review indicated that oral Finasteride therapy of 1-5mg demonstrated measurable reversal of hair loss in men suffering androgenic alopecia.
CONCLUSION: Based on the three RCT’s reviewed in this study, there is measurable evidence to indicate the use of Finasteride in the reduction and reversal of androgenic alopecia. This review only analyzed the effect of Finasteride on test subjects before and after treatment. Further tests would need to be done to determine if Finasteride is a medication that must be taken daily as preventative therapy, or if it can be discontinued once hair regrowth is obtained.
Recommended Citation
Obi, Olisa K., "What is the Efficacy of Finasteride Therapy in Reducing or Reversing Hair Loss?" (2012). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 93.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/93