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Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is often managed with topical minoxidil, though alternative approaches such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and low-dose oral minoxidil have emerged.
Combining platelet-rich plasma with topical minoxidil yields the greatest increase in terminal hair density, while low-dose oral minoxidil shows the highest reduction in vellus hair density in androgenetic alopecia treatment.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is often managed with topical minoxidil, though alternative approaches such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and low-dose oral minoxidil have emerged. This randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the effectiveness of low-dose oral minoxidil, topical minoxidil, and PRP + topical minoxidil in AGA.
In total, 75 participants were randomly allocated into 3 groups (25 per group), with 60 completing the 32-week follow-up:
Assessments, both clinical and videodermoscopic, were carried out at regular intervals.
By week 32, a one-grade improvement in AGA severity was seen in 25% of patients in Groups 1 and 3, and 10% in Group 2. The median increase in terminal hair density was highest in Group 3 (57%), followed by Group 2 (48%) and Group 1 (47.5%), with statistically significant differences favoring Group 3 over both others. Conversely, the greatest reduction in vellus hair density was noted in Group 1 (26%), outperforming Group 3 (19%).
All groups exhibited a prominent reduction in hair diameter variability by week 32, with no notable differences between them. Side effects were usually mild. Group 1 experienced headaches (20%), dizziness (15%), and pedal edema (5%). Group 2 experienced scalp dryness and itching in 75% of cases. In Group 3, all patients felt temporary pain during PRP sessions, with minor bleeding in 15% and dizziness in 5%. Despite these adverse events, most volunteers tolerated the treatments well.
The findings support low-dose oral minoxidil as a viable alternative to the topical form and highlight the added benefit of combining topical minoxidil with PRP for enhanced results.
Archives of Dermatological Research
Analysing efficacy of low-dose oral minoxidil, topical minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma with topical minoxidil combination in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized controlled observer blinded trial
Janaani et al.
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