Finasteride Response Test

Finasteride is a medication commonly prescribed for hair loss, particularly in cases of male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone implicated in hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride slows down hair loss and may even promote hair regrowth.

However, individual responses to finasteride treatment vary. To address this variability, Finasteride Response Test assesses a patient’s genetic makeup to predict their response to the medication. This test focuses on variations in the Androgen Receptor gene, specifically on a region known as CAG repeats. Lower numbers of CAG repeats have been linked to heightened sensitivity to androgens like DHT.

Research indicates that individuals with lower CAG repeat numbers tend to exhibit better responses to finasteride therapy for AGA. By providing patients with a score based on their CAG repeat numbers, the Finasteride Response Test enables healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Utilizing this genetic test allows healthcare providers to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from finasteride treatment, thus optimizing treatment outcomes. This personalized approach can lead to more effective management of hair loss while minimizing the risk of potential side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or breast tenderness, associated with finasteride use.