Oral Finasteride for Pattern Hair Loss: Mella 2010 Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in Archives of Dermatology, 2010
Oral Finasteride for Pattern Hair Loss: Mella 2010 Research Summary
Study conclusion
This study combined results from multiple controlled trials of daily oral finasteride (1mg) for pattern hair loss in men. Finasteride significantly increased hair count compared to placebo at both short-term and long-term follow-up. Patients and investigators both rated finasteride significantly better than placebo. Finasteride also increases the risk of sexual dysfunction.
Strength of evidence
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Men with pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Adults. Oral finasteride 1mg taken daily.
Who was NOT studied
Women with pattern hair loss — finasteride is not recommended for women of childbearing age due to risk of birth defects. People with other types of hair loss. People using topical finasteride.
What to look for when shopping
Oral finasteride 1mg is FDA-approved for pattern hair loss in men. It is a prescription medication. It works by reducing DHT (the hormone that shrinks hair follicles in pattern hair loss) throughout the body, which is why sexual side effects can occur.
What research cannot help you decide
Whether the sexual dysfunction risk will affect you personally. How long you need to take it to maintain results — hair loss typically returns after stopping. Whether it will work for the specific pattern or stage of your hair loss.
Key findings
- Daily oral finasteride significantly increased hair count vs placebo at short-term follow-up (mean increase of about 9%)
- The benefit increased at longer follow-up (mean increase of about 24%)
- Both investigator and patient assessments rated finasteride significantly better than placebo
- Finasteride increases the risk of sexual dysfunction compared to placebo
- Oral finasteride 1mg is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss
What this study does not show
- 1.Whether results last after stopping. Hair loss is expected to return after discontinuing finasteride.
- 2.How finasteride compares to other treatments like minoxidil or red light therapy in head-to-head trials.
- 3.Whether finasteride works for women — this review studied men only.
- 4.The full long-term safety profile beyond the study periods included in the review.
Limitations
- 1.This review studied men only. Evidence in women is not covered.
- 2.Sexual dysfunction risk is real but its frequency and severity vary across studies.
- 3.The review was published in 2010. More recent trials have added to the evidence base.
- 4.Follow-up periods varied across included trials, limiting long-term conclusions.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.