Androgenetic Alopecia in Adolescents

January 2016

Rubina Alves, Ramon Grimalt

androgenetic alopecia AGA hair loss topical minoxidil finasteride body image anxiety depression social isolation Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Topical minoxidil helps treat hair loss in teens, but more research needed for safe options.

This document from 2016 discusses androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in adolescents, including its diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management. AGA is the most common cause of hair loss in adolescents and can lead to negative body image, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Topical minoxidil appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for adolescents with AGA, while finasteride 1 mg has been used in boy adolescents with increased hair density and no progression in hair loss. However, there is no approved therapy for AGA in the adolescent population, and treatment options should be further evaluated to ensure safety and efficacy.

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