Androgenetic alopecia
May 1999
in “International Journal of Dermatology”

TLDR
Hair loss from genetics and hormones can be treated with drugs or surgery.
Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss caused by genetics and hormones, affecting both men and women. It is characterized by hair loss in specific regions of the scalp and can be graded using the Hamilton and Ludwig scales for men and women, respectively. Treatment options include drugs that block androgen receptors and 5α-reductase inhibitors, as well as agents that promote hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used drugs to treat it, but they may not work for everyone and can have limitations and side effects. Surgical treatment may be necessary in advanced stages, and adjuvant treatment with finasteride and/or minoxidil can be prescribed before and after hair transplant surgery.
View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →
Cited in this study

research Diffuse hypertrichosis during treatment with 5% topical minoxidil
5% topical minoxidil can cause severe body hair growth, which disappears after stopping treatment.

research ANDROGEN METABOLISM AS IT AFFECTS HAIR GROWTH IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.

research Guidelines of care for androgenetic alopecia
Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.

research Improvement in Androgenetic Alopecia (Stage V) Using Topical Minoxidil in a Retinoid Vehicle and Oral Finasteride
Combination therapy improves hair growth in advanced hair loss.
research Androgenetic alopecia in the female. Treatment with 2% topical minoxidil solution

research Psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia on women: Comparisons with balding men and with female control subjects
Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.

research The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men
Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
research Hair growth effects of oral administration of finasteride, a steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, alone and in combination with topical minoxidil in the balding stumptail macaque
Taking finasteride pills and using minoxidil lotion together can help grow hair.

research Five-year follow-up of men with androgenetic alopecia treated with topical minoxidil
Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.

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

research Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: Optimizing the Chance for Success by Appropriate Patient Selection
Minoxidil works for 56% of balding men with specific criteria.

research Effect of Minoxidil on Cultured Keratinocytes
Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.

research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex
Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.