Finasteride Is the Main Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase Activity in Microdissected Dermal Papillae of Human Hair Follicles

February 1999 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Rolf Hoffmann, Rudolf Happle

finasteride 5α-reductase dermal papillae human hair follicles androgenetic alopecia DHT Propecia 5-alpha-reductase hair follicles androgenic alopecia

TLDR Finasteride potentially treats hair loss by reducing DHT production.

The study found that finasteride is the main inhibitor of 5α-reductase activity in microdissected dermal papillae of human hair follicles, indicating its potential effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia. The study involved a small number of human subjects and suggests that finasteride may be a useful treatment for hair loss by reducing DHT production.

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research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

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Human beard hair follicles change testosterone into other related hormones, but don't much change androstenedione into testosterone.