A Scoping Review of Pharmacotherapy, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (CAM), and Surgical Therapies for Androgenic Alopecia
June 2021
in “Current Dermatology Reports”
TLDR
Various treatments help hair growth, but more research needed for safety and effectiveness.
This document is a compilation of summaries and reviews of various treatments for androgenic alopecia, including pharmacotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and surgical therapies. The reviews suggest that while FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are effective, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of alternative therapies. Some natural compounds like amino acids, marine extracts, and polyphenols may promote hair growth, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. Platelet-rich plasma injections and hair transplantation surgery are effective treatments, but carry risks. Overall, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
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Cited in this study
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research Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia of Varying Grades
Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improve hair density and thickness in both male and female pattern hair loss, especially in early stages.
research Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia patients
PRP therapy safely improves hair growth in people with hair loss.
research Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review
research Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation
research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Treating Androgenic Alopecia
All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.
research An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia
Caffeine-based liquid 0.2% is as effective as minoxidil 5% for treating male hair loss.
research Comparing the effects of zinc sulfate, calcium pantothenate, their combination and minoxidil solution regimens on controlling hair loss in women: A randomized controlled trial
research A 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of a marine complex supplement to promote hair growth in men with thinning hair
research Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containingSerenoa repensextract
Serenoa repens extract in topical products improves hair growth and appearance in male pattern baldness with mild side-effects.
research A bibliometric study of scientific literature in Scopus on botanicals for treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Botanicals like green tea extract show potential for hair growth, but more research is needed.
research Hair Restoration in Androgenetic Alopecia: Looking Beyond Minoxidil, Finasteride and Hair Transplantation
Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.
research A Review of Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia
Use finasteride, minoxidil, and follicular unit transplantation for hair loss treatment.
research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Pumpkin seed oil helps hair growth in men with hair loss.
research Insulin-like growth factor-1: roles in androgenetic alopecia
IGF-1 affects hair loss and could be a potential treatment.
research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review
research Androgenetic alopecia
Various treatments exist for hair loss, but more research is needed for better options.
research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.
research Comparitive Effectiveness and Finasteride Vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study
Finasteride works better than Serenoa repens for male hair loss.
research Promotion of Hair Growth byRosmarinus officinalisLeaf Extract
research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant
Finasteride improves surrounding scalp hair and increases hair density after hair transplant.
research Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.
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