Androgen Metabolism as It Affects Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

October 1996 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Keith D. Kaufman

androgen metabolism hair growth androgenetic alopecia finasteride testosterone DHT Propecia

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

This document from 26 years ago explores the relationship between androgen metabolism and hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. It suggests that androgen metabolism plays a crucial role in hair growth, but excessive levels can lead to hair loss. The studies cited indicate that androgen metabolism may contribute to the development of androgenetic alopecia. The document also discusses the potential use of finasteride as a treatment option to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Autosomal Dominant Disorder

80 citations, January 1995 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic factors and androgen excess, and can be treated with combined therapies.

research The Effects of Finasteride (Proscar) on Hair Growth, Hair Cycle Stage, and Serum Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone in Adult Male and Female Stumptail Macaques (Macaca Arctoides)

19 citations, October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations, September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations, May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations, October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations, April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.

research Animal Models of Androgen-Dependent Disorders of the Pilosebaceous Apparatus

38 citations, July 1989 in “Archives of dermatological research”

Testosterone causes hair loss in AGA mice, which are good for testing baldness treatments, and both minoxidil and cyproterone acetate can prevent this hair loss.

research Increased Androgen Binding Capacity in Sebaceous Glands in Scalp of Male-Pattern Baldness

51 citations, January 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Men with male-pattern baldness have more androgen receptors in their scalp's oil glands, which may contribute to hair loss.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

130 citations, May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

"Male-pattern" hair loss is common in women, especially after menopause, and doesn't always mean there's a problem with hormone balance.

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.

research Testosterone Metabolism in the Skin

74 citations, November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology”

Increased DHT formation in skin can cause hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth, and antiandrogens might treat these conditions.

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in Research/Science 667 upvotes 1 month ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

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in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community My Theory Regarding a Cause and Cure for Androgenetic Alopecia

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Hair loss theory suggests imbalance between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Androgen Receptor (AR) activation. Proposed treatment includes upregulating VDR, downregulating AR, and improving mitochondrial health.

community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

in Chat 158 upvotes 7 months ago

The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

in Progress Pictures 224 upvotes 7 months ago

A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

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research Minoxidil to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: What Is It and How Does It Work?

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Minoxidil, originally a blood pressure medication, is effective in treating hair loss in men and women, with different strengths recommended for each.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Potential for Therapy

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Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.

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research Androgen Metabolism as It Affects Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

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