Systemic cyproterone acetate and 5% minoxidil topical in the treatment of female pattern hair loss

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of systemic cyproterone acetate and 5%topical minoxidil solution in female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Patients and methods This was a six month open trial of 2mg cyproterone acetate and 35ìg ethinyl estradiol (Diane35®) for 21 days of each cycle and 50 mg cyproterone acetate for 10 days along with diane35 and 5%topical minoxidil,1ml twice daily for all days of treatment. Study was conducted on out patients at Abassi Shaheed Hospital/ Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi. 26 females with FPHL were included in the study. Results At six months, compared with base line there was a statistically significant improvement in hair growth/decrease or no loss of hair reported. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. There was no progression of FPHL in all patients. Conclusion Systemic cyproterone acetate and 5%topical minoxidil are effective and safe in FPHL.