From the Research
Finasteride is not the first-line treatment for female pattern hair loss, especially in women with psoriasis, due to its limited evidence and potential risks. When considering treatment for female pattern hair loss, particularly in women with psoriasis, it's essential to prioritize options with proven efficacy and safety.
- Topical minoxidil 2% or 5% solution applied twice daily to the scalp is a better first-line option, as it has demonstrated efficacy and a more favorable safety profile in women 1.
- Women with psoriasis should exercise caution, as some hair loss may be related to their psoriasis or its treatments.
- The mechanism of finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is more relevant to male pattern baldness than female pattern hair loss, which often involves complex hormonal and inflammatory factors.
- A recent study published in 2023 found that 5 mg of oral finasteride per day could be an effective and safe treatment in normoandrogenic women with female pattern hair loss, especially when used in combination with other drugs 2.
- However, another study from 2018 reported that oral administration of finasteride at a dose of 2.5 mg/day showed significant improvement in 65.2% of patients with female pattern hair loss 3.
- Before starting any hair loss treatment, women with psoriasis should consult with both a dermatologist and their psoriasis specialist to ensure the treatment won't trigger psoriasis flares and to address any scalp psoriasis that might be contributing to hair loss.
- It's also important to note that finasteride carries significant risks for women of childbearing age due to potential birth defects in male fetuses if pregnancy occurs during treatment 4.