Hair disorders: androgenetic alopecia: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Hair disorders: androgenetic alopecia

Sample item

A 28-year-old man has progressive frontotemporal recession and vertex thinning with miniaturised hairs. Which drug acts by inhibiting type 2 5-alpha reductase?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Finasteride

Finasteride reduces conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, slowing miniaturisation of scalp follicles in men. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that prolongs anagen, and it works through potassium channel opening.

Option by option

  • A. Finasteride (correct)

    Correct. Finasteride inhibits type 2 5-alpha reductase.

  • B. Cyproterone acetate

    Cyproterone is an anti-androgen used in women.

  • C. Spironolactone

    Spironolactone is an anti-androgen used in women.

  • D. Minoxidil

    Minoxidil opens potassium channels and does not alter DHT.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Finasteride. Finasteride reduces conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, slowing miniaturisation of scalp follicles in men.

Why is "Cyproterone acetate" not the answer?

Cyproterone is an anti-androgen used in women.

Why is "Spironolactone" not the answer?

Spironolactone is an anti-androgen used in women.

Why is "Minoxidil" not the answer?

Minoxidil opens potassium channels and does not alter DHT.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hair disorders: androgenetic alopecia in Dermatology. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that prolongs anagen, and it works through potassium channel opening.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hair disorders: androgenetic alopecia?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.