Alopecia: Managing the Basics

July 2015 in “ Cambridge University Press eBooks ”

Thamer Mubki, Jerry Shapiro

androgens dihydrotestosterone DHT female pattern hair loss FPHL skin biopsy minoxidil androgen-dependent therapies hirsutism Ferriman-Gallwey system oral contraceptives antiandrogens topical eflornithine cream Rogaine Vaniqa

TLDR The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excess body hair are available, but managing expectations is important.

The 2015 document provides an overview of the role of androgens in hair growth, the diagnosis and treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and the evaluation and management of hirsutism. It explains that androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are central to hair growth and related conditions. FPHL, affecting 6% to 38% of women depending on age, is often diagnosed clinically and can be confirmed with a skin biopsy. Treatments for FPHL include minoxidil, which benefits 60% of women, and off-label androgen-dependent therapies. For hirsutism, which is scored using the Ferriman-Gallwey system, treatment options include cosmetic measures, medical therapies like oral contraceptives and antiandrogens, and topical eflornithine cream. The document emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations for hair loss treatments and the necessity of treating hirsutism regardless of severity.

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27 / 27 results

research Challenges in Diagnosing Female Pattern Hair Loss

5 citations , June 2012 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss diagnosis is challenging and should use dermoscopy and histopathology instead of pattern recognition, as hormones may not always be the cause.

research 5 mg/Day Finasteride Treatment for Normoandrogenic Asian Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

64 citations , February 2011 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride improves hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

research Evaluation of Androgen Receptor Gene as a Candidate Gene in Female Androgenetic Alopecia

23 citations , June 2009 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

AR gene not major factor in female hair loss; different from male hair loss.

research Hair Loss in Women: Comprehensive Overview and Treatment Options

81 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , October 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Medical Treatment of Hirsutism

66 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

The conclusion is that the best initial treatment for hirsutism is usually oral contraceptives, with the addition of antiandrogens or insulin sensitizers if needed, and topical eflornithine or laser treatments as supplementary options.

research Hair Loss in Women

129 citations , October 2007 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.

research Hirsutism

271 citations , December 2005 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine”

The document likely offers guidance on treating a woman's excessive hair growth, considering her symptoms and obesity.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations , March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , April 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Hair Loss in Women with Hyperandrogenism: Four Cases Responding to Finasteride

92 citations , November 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.

research Molecular Mechanisms of Androgenetic Alopecia

229 citations , August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology”

AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

77 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Androgenetic alopecia involves genetics, hormones, and can be treated with medications or surgery.

research Hair Density, Hair Diameter, and the Prevalence of Female Pattern Hair Loss

234 citations , February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.

research Incidence of Female Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Alopecia)

89 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss in women is common, starts in late 20s, and affects 30% of women over 50.

research Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Separate Entity

50 citations , July 2000 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Female and male AGA are different diseases.

research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

145 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.

research Immunohistochemical Localization of Types 1 and 2 5α-Reductase in Human Scalp

100 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that two enzymes linked to hair loss are located in different parts of the scalp, supporting a common treatment's effectiveness.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

research Novel Agents for the Treatment of Alopecia

29 citations , December 1998 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

New treatments for hair loss show promise, especially finasteride for men and a stronger minoxidil formula.

research Androgen Metabolism as It Affects Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

143 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.

research Androgens and Human Hair Growth

157 citations , April 1994 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Androgens can cause hair growth in some areas and hair loss on the scalp.

research The Control of Hair Growth: An Overview

62 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Hair growth is influenced by interactions between skin layers, growth factors, and hormones, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

research Oral Spironolactone Therapy for Female Patients with Acne, Hirsutism, or Androgenic Alopecia

101 citations , January 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Spironolactone is effective for treating acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia in women with few side effects.

research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

14 / 14 results

research Androgen-Associated and Androgen-Independent Causes of Alopecia and Acne in Women: Literature Review

1 citations , May 2020 in “Reproductive Endocrinology”

The document concludes that hair loss and acne in women can be due to both androgen-related and unrelated causes, requiring a collaborative treatment approach.

research Physiology and Medical Treatments for Alopecia

8 citations , May 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy are effective FDA-approved treatments for hair loss.

research Androgens in Women: Role in Androgen-Mediated Cutaneous Disorders

56 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Androgens play a complex role in skin conditions like acne and hair loss in women, and normal blood levels don't always show true androgen status.

research Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment

5 citations , November 2017 in “JOGC/Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada”

The conclusion is that proper diagnosis and long-term treatment, including medication, hair removal, and lifestyle changes, are important for improving hirsutism, especially in PCOS patients.

research Androgen Excess: Investigations and Management

82 citations , November 2016 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

The conclusion is that managing androgen excess requires long-term treatment, including hormonal contraceptives and androgen blockers, with follow-up after six months.

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Diagnosis and Treatments of Hirsutism: Where Are We?

3 citations , August 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”

Effective treatments for excessive hair growth in women include creams, laser therapy, and medications, with the choice depending on individual needs and potential side effects.

research Hair Loss in Women: Comprehensive Overview and Treatment Options

81 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.

research Idiopathic Hirsutism: Excessive Bodily and Facial Hair in Women

11 citations , February 2008 in “British journal of nursing”

Idiopathic hirsutism causes excessive hair growth in women, can be treated with medication and hair removal, but cannot be fully reversed.

research Dermatology of Androgen-Related Disorders

67 citations , July 2006 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Androgens cause skin issues like acne and hair growth in women, often due to PCOS, and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

research The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism

195 citations , May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology”

Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

10 citations , December 1995 in “Journal of women's health”

Finasteride reduces hair growth in women with hirsutism and works better with electrolysis.

research Hormone Studies in Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

April 1991 in “PubMed”

research Measurement and Comparison of Various Androgen Levels in Women with Severe Acne, Hirsutism, and Androgenic Alopecia

January 1986 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

Women with severe acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia often have higher levels of certain androgens, but the specific pattern can't be predicted just by looking at symptoms.