Effectiveness of Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Low-Level Laser Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
A comprehensive meta-analysis confirms that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) are effective for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These treatments significantly improve hair density, thickness, and overall hair growth compared to placebo. However, some potential biases exist due to industry-funded studies.
Brief Summary:
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of FDA-approved and FDA-cleared nonsurgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia in men and women. The study analyzed 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found that minoxidil, finasteride, and LLLT significantly outperformed placebo treatments. Hair density increased by: