Topical Insulin and Growth Hormone to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia?

Doctor,

I think you’re really going to like the following study that verifies the use of topical insulin and growth hormone in the treatment of AGA:

Comment: This article titled: Pilot Study of a Novel Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia Using Enriched Cell Culture Medium: Clinical Trials taken from Dermatology Online Journal and posted on 04/25/2003 was of great interest. The authors were: Lindenbaum ES, PhD, Feitelberg AL, MD, Tendler M, PhD, Beach D, MSc, Gamliel-Lazarovich A, MSc, Har-Shai Y, MD, Hirshowitz B, MD

According to the abstract: a group of 48 people with known genetic hair loss had a novel treatment where a topical solution/gel that contained (a) a cell culture medium supplemented with insulin, (b) thyroxin and (c) growth hormone (CCM) was applied to a frontal balding pattern. This was a scientific study performed with good scientific methodology that concluded “a randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind trial of 6 months duration. Under occlusive cover the gel was self applied for at least 3 hours daily.” Hair loss stopped in 2-6 weeks and after a period of four months, hair counts were higher in the treated group. The treated grour got even further benefits at 6 months. This treatment also slowed or stopped hiar loss, increased the rate of hair growth and the appearance of new hairs. There were no side effects reported.

I found the link you are referencing at Medscape. This was an enlightening article and worthy of follow-up. Thanks for sending it in.