Antiandrogen treatments

Antiandrogen treatments are sometimes used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. In men, testosterone is converted by an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase (5AR) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles. Susceptible follicles react to the hormone by producing smaller finer hairs. Antiandrogen treatments, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can help to lower the level of DHT and reduce the androgenic effect that leads to hair loss. 

Antiandrogen treatments can be prescribed via a private prescription but not through the NHS. There have been concerns about the side effects of these drugs. Older men taking drugs such as finasteride must let their doctor know if they have a blood test for their prostate (PSA), as these drugs can artificially lower the levels of this protein in their blood.

The role of androgens in causing female pattern hair loss is uncertain. However, antiandrogen treatments can be used to treat female pattern hair loss, although usually most women have no evidence of excessive androgens. In women, antiandrogen treatments which may be used include oestrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills and spironolactone.

Antiandrogen treatments might be prescribed for people with the following alopecia types:

androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)