Association of Polymorphisms in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Finasteride Response in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia
Association of Polymorphisms in the Androgen Receptor Gene and Finasteride Response in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia
Previous studies of finasteride treatment in women with hair loss have failed to show
 positive results, yet, some women have responded anecdotally. Given that polymorphisms of the
 androgen receptor gene which confer androgen sensitivity impact male response to finasteride
 therapy, it was hypothesized that the same polymorphism in women may identify the group that
 will respond. This study is designed to test the impact of finasteride therapy on hair loss
 in postmenopausal women.
Androgen sensitivity in the cell is determined by the number of Cytosine-Adenine-Guanine
 repeats in the Androgen Receptor gene. Lower CAG repeats have been associated in previous
 studies with androgenic conditions such as acne, hirsutism and hair loss in men and women.
 Keeping this in mind, we tested women with hair loss in the frontal or vertex area, for their
 AR genotype. Patients were randomized to placebo or 1 mg finasteride therapy for 6 months.
 Global photographs and 2 tatooed areas of 1cm2 each were measured monthly to assess global
 appearance and hair counts for medication impact.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  women with hair loss

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  pre menopausal,

 -  metabolic or medication or non-androgenetic causes of hair loss,

 -  diffuse hair loss