title: [Penetration and side effects of local estrogen application in alopecia androgenetica].
abstract: In 30 male patients aged 17-37 with definite androgenetic ("male pattern") alopecia (AA, telogen hair rate greater than 20%) the total urinary estrogen level was estimated before and after topical treatment: In 18 patients estrogen in a alcoholic vehicle (0.05% dienestroldiacetate) was daily applied on the scalp skin; whereas 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 mum/24 hrs (individual data ranged from 9.4-45.6 mum/24 hrs) and was thus slightly elevated but still within the normal range. 3 and 6 months after treatment no significant differences of the urinary estrogen level were found between the controlled patients of the two groups and, similarly, no clinical side-effects of the estrogen application (gynecomasty etc.) were recorded. It seems, on the basis of this study, that a long-term topical treatment with estrogen does not involve considerable risks regarding side-effects on male adults, in contrast to children and youngsters. On the assumption that estrogen may be effective in AA, a local mechanism of action on the hair follicle is considered.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000652:urine; D005262:Feminization / Q000139:chemically induced; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens
vernacular_title: Penetration und Nebenwirkungen lokaler Ostrogen-Applikation bei Alopecia androgenetica