Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by relatively increased hair loss and affects both sexes. In males it is the most frequent cause of hair loss, in females it has different signs and much lower prevalence. Hair loss may be associated with psychosocial problems. Finasteride - blocker of 5a reductase, interfering with the transformation of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone has been introduced into treatment of androgenetic alopecia . We examined 26 males with premature hair loss by 30 years of age. They were treated by finasteride 1 mg a day for 3 months. In each of them the androgenic spectrum was examined before and after treatment. Laboratory tests showed statistically significant difference in the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio before and after treatment. No such differences were found in other hormones of androgenic spectrum in this prospective study. After 3 months of the treatment 17 patients indicated hair loss reduction and better hair quality, they were satisfied and willing to continue the treatment.

        Key words: androgenic alopecia - finasteride - testosterone - dihydrotestosterone