PENETRATION AND SIDE-EFFECTS OF TOPICAL ESTROGEN APPLICATION IN ALOPECIA ANDROGENETICA

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (7) , 367-369
Abstract
In 30 male patients aged 17-37 with definite androgenetic (male pattern) alopecia (AA, telogen hair rate > 20%) the total urinary estrogen level was estimated before and after topical treatment. In 18 patients estrogen in an alcoholic vehicle (0.05% dienestroldiacetate) was daily applied on the scalp skin; 12 patients were treated with a corresponding preparation without estrogen and served as controls. Before treatment the average estrogen level of all patients with AA was 23.3 .mu.m/24 h (individual data ranged from 9.4-45.6 .mu.m/24 h) and was thus slightly elevated but still within the normal range. Three and 6 mo. after treatment no significant differences of the urinary estrogen level were found between the controlled patients of the 2 groups, and no clinical side-effects of the estrogen application (gynecomasty, etc.) were recorded. Long-term topical treatment with estrogen probably does not involve considerable risks regarding side-effects on male adults, in contrast to children and youngsters. Assuming that estrogen may be effective in AA, a local mechanism of action on the hair follicle is considered.

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