Efficacy and safety of spironolactone versus bicalutamide in female pattern hair loss: A retrospective comparative study

Abstract

Background: Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by decreased scalp hair density, thinning of hair shafts, and progressive miniaturization of hair follicles.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of spironolactone versus bicalutamide in female pattern hair loss [FPHL].

Methods: The study design was retrospective, and all eligible females aged between 18 years and 50 years with FPHL were included. We identified 120 patients from our database who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and patients were then categorized into two groups, Group A comprising patients who were taking 100 mg of spironolactone once daily and Group B comprising patients who were taking 50 mg of bicalutamide once daily along with topical minoxidil 2% in both groups. Patient were analysed at approximately at 24 weeks from the commencement of the treatment.

Results: Mean reduction in hair loss severity score on Sinclair scale was 19.51% in spironolactone group compared to 28.20% in bicalutamide group at 24 weeks, which was statistically significant. On global photographic assessment, marked improvement was seen in bicalutamide group compared to spironolactone group (p = 0.139).

Conclusions: Our study, though limited by its retrospective design and small sample size, showed that bicalutamide has greater efficacy and better safety profile in comparison to spironolactone in the treatment of FPHL.

Keywords: dermoscopy; female pattern loss; hair; hair dermatoscopy.