Abstract
From the time of finasterideʼs release in Japan in 2005 to November of 2006, 449 patients have been treated with the drug for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. Each case was classified, and data concerning body hair density, family history, environmental factors, patient anxiety about AGA, previous treatment, and expectations regarding finasteride were recorded. The efficacy of finasteride was assessed using photographs taken before and after six months of treatment. Results showed that 43% and 17% of patients were type II and III (Norwood-Hamilton classification), respectively; less than 10% were type VI and VII patients; 66% reported some improvement; and 17% dropped out. Hair of the face and lower limbs was comparatively denser than in other areas. Respectively 68% and 44% of the patients reported a father or grandfather with AGA. The correlations of data between continuing participants and dropouts was analyzed. We found no significant differences in Norwood-Hamilton categories, but a significant difference in family history. If the patients had no family history of AGA, they tended to stop taking finasteride (dropped out). One patient reported difficulty in concentrating, prompting discontinuation of the drug.
