Androgenetic Alopecia

March 2021 in “ Uludağ Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi dergisi ”

Gökhan ŞAHİN, Hilal Ozdemir, Fatma Aydın

androgenetic alopecia follicular miniaturization potassium ion channel modifiers topical minoxidil oral minoxidil 5α reductase inhibitors oral finasteride topical finasteride oral dutasteride androgen receptor antagonists combination therapies androgenic alopecia hair follicle shrinkage minoxidil Rogaine Propecia Avodart

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Studysummary This review discusses current treatment methods for managing androgenetic alopecia in men and women, but reports no new clinical results, highlighting the lack of a standard treatment guide. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Three years ago, a review was conducted on the management of androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals. The review noted that there was no standard treatment guideline for this condition, with the goal of management being to halt follicular miniaturization and increase hair density. Various therapies were used, including potassium ion channel modifiers (like topical and oral minoxidil), 5α reductase inhibitors (like oral finasteride, topical finasteride, and oral dutasteride), androgen receptor antagonists, other medical treatments, physical treatments, complementary therapies, and combination therapies. The review aimed to provide information about these current treatment methods for both men and women.

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Research cited in this study

62 / 62 results

research Minoxidil 1 mg Oral Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution for the Treatment of Female-Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial

53 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that low-dose oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil 5% solution both improved hair density in women with female-pattern hair loss, but oral minoxidil may offer advantages in reducing hair shedding.

Finasteride Use and Risk of Male Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study Using Individual-Level Registry Data from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

research Finasteride Use and Risk of Male Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study Using Individual-Level Registry Data from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

7 citations , March 2019 in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention”

This study found no evidence that finasteride use is associated with an increased risk of male breast cancer.

research New Drugs Under Investigation for the Treatment of Alopecias

26 citations , January 2019 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

This review explored the new and emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, finding that JAK inhibitors show promise for alopecia areata, while advancements in stem-cell research may eventually lead to new and improved treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

Characterization of Follicular Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Activity in a Cohort of Pattern Hair Loss Patients from the Indian Subcontinent

research Characterization of Follicular Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Activity in a Cohort of Pattern Hair Loss Patients from the Indian Subcontinent

8 citations , October 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

In this study of Indian patients with pattern hair loss, 40.8% showed low sulfotransferase enzyme activity in hair follicles, with a higher prevalence of low activity in men compared to women.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical, Pathophysiologic, and Therapeutic Review

66 citations , June 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

This article discusses treatments for female pattern hair loss, highlighting that oral antiandrogens and topical minoxidil can effectively arrest progression and reverse miniaturization in many patients with mild-to-moderate cases, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Microneedling for the Treatment of Hair Loss

58 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This review highlights that microneedling shows some promise for improving hair growth in alopecia, particularly when used with other treatments, though more research is needed to establish its efficacy and protocols.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic (Male-Patterned) Alopecia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

61 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was not effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in men with grade 4–6 hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations , August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

research Interventions for Female Pattern Hair Loss

21 citations , May 2016 in “The Cochrane library”

This review found that while topical minoxidil is effective for treating female pattern hair loss, finasteride showed no more effectiveness than placebo, and low-level laser therapy increased hair count but with inconsistent results.

Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations , April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair density and anagen hair proportions in androgenetic alopecia patients, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.

research Hunting the Genes in Male-Pattern Alopecia: How Important Are They, How Close Are We and What Will They Tell Us?

46 citations , February 2016 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This review discusses the genetic research developments in androgenetic alopecia, reporting no new clinical results, and highlights the potential for discovering novel therapeutic targets.

research Male Pattern Baldness and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia

7 citations , January 2016 in “British Journal of Cancer”

This study found that certain male pattern baldness subtypes at age 45 are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia.

research Pharmacologic Inhibition of JAK-STAT Signaling Promotes Hair Growth

159 citations , October 2015 in “Science Advances”

This study observed that applying JAK-STAT pathway inhibitors to mouse and human skin led to rapid hair growth by inducing the anagen phase of hair follicles.

research Demographics of Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss and the Effectiveness of Spironolactone Therapy

26 citations , September 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, spironolactone was reported to stabilize or improve female pattern hair loss in 74.3% of treated women, especially those with signs of hyperandrogenism.

research Clinical Use of Conditioned Media of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Case Series Study

83 citations , March 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This retrospective study found that adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned media increased hair density and thickness in women with female pattern hair loss over 12 weeks, with no severe adverse effects reported.

Topical Valproic Acid Increases Hair Count in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Comparative, Clinical Feasibility Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis

research Topical Valproic Acid Increases Hair Count in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Comparative, Clinical Feasibility Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis

37 citations , February 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that topical valproic acid significantly increased hair count in male patients with moderate androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo over 24 weeks.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

147 citations , January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study found that low-level laser treatment with the HairMax Lasercomb significantly increased terminal hair density in both men and women with pattern hair loss, with no serious adverse events reported.

research New Investigational Drugs for Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , April 2013 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

This article reviews emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and prostaglandin modulators, but reports no clinical results and calls for further efficacy evidence, especially for PRP.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

34 citations , February 2013 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This meta-analysis found that vertex pattern androgenetic alopecia was associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, while other androgenetic alopecia patterns did not show a significant link.

research Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that topical melatonin solution was associated with positive effects on hair density and reduction in hair loss for androgenetic alopecia, with good tolerability reported in several clinical trials.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, latanoprost significantly increased hair density in young men with mild androgenetic alopecia after 24 weeks, suggesting it may stimulate hair follicle activity and treat hair loss.

research The Effect of a 1550 Nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser in Female Pattern Hair Loss

47 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that treatment with a 1550 nm fractional erbium–glass laser increased hair density and thickness in women with female pattern hair loss, suggesting it may be an effective and safe option.

research The Latest Innovations in Hair Transplantation

32 citations , July 2011 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

This review discusses recent surgical and medical advancements in hair restoration techniques but reports no new clinical results.

research Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects and Tolerability of Flutamide in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss

42 citations , April 2011 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy”

This study found that long-term flutamide treatment reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss, but liver-related dropouts were minimized at a very low dose of 62.5 mg/day.

research Role of Genetics and Sex Steroid Hormones in Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Update

87 citations , March 2011 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This review explores the current understanding of genetic and hormonal influences on male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss, providing guidance for clinicians but reports no new results.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.

research Trichoscopy for Common Hair Loss Diseases: Algorithmic Method for Diagnosis

89 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This study describes characteristic trichoscopic features of various hair loss diseases and proposes an algorithmic method for diagnosing them, but reports no new clinical results.

research Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that daily oral finasteride may increase hair count and improve hair appearance assessments in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it also appears to raise the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men and Women: A Comparative Study

110 citations , July 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss linked to higher heart disease risk in both men and women.

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

64 citations , June 2010 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study suggests that 5 mg/day oral finasteride may increase hair density and thickness in normoandrogenic Asian women with female pattern hair loss over 12 months.

Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Dutasteride 0.5 mg Once Daily in Male Patients with Male Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Study

research Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Dutasteride 0.5 mg Once Daily in Male Patients with Male Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Study

92 citations , June 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 0.5 mg of dutasteride significantly improved hair growth compared to placebo and was well tolerated over six months in men with male pattern hair loss.

research Innovative Use of Spironolactone as an Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , May 2010 in “PubMed”

This paper discusses spironolactone as a potential off-label treatment for female pattern hair loss, noting its ability to halt hair loss progression and induce partial regrowth in a significant number of women but reports no new clinical results.

research Mesotherapy in the Management of Hair Loss: Is It of Any Use?

25 citations , January 2010 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This commentary reviews the controversial use of mesotherapy for androgenetic alopecia and emphasizes the need for documented evidence, without reporting new clinical results.

research Successful Treatment of Female-Pattern Hair Loss with Spironolactone in a 9-Year-Old Girl

26 citations , April 2009 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, a 9-year-old girl with female pattern hair loss showed clinical improvement and hair regrowth after six months of daily oral spironolactone.

research Hair Loss in Women: Comprehensive Overview and Treatment Options

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

This review discusses the classifications, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for female pattern hair loss, but reports no clinical results.

research Comparing the Therapeutic Effects of Finasteride Gel and Tablet in Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

57 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that both topical and oral finasteride had similar therapeutic effects in treating male androgenic alopecia, with no significant differences in hair thickness, counts, or bald area size.

research Follicular Streamers (Stelae) in Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia

29 citations , July 2008 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

This study found that follicular streamers are mostly present in non-scarring alopecia cases, and tracking their location can improve diagnosis accuracy.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a new 5% minoxidil foam formulation significantly increased hair counts and improved hair loss condition in men with androgenetic alopecia over 16 weeks compared to placebo.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased scalp hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss, particularly at a 2.5 mg dose, and was more effective than finasteride over 24 weeks.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

99 citations , October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology”

This preliminary study suggests that finasteride might cause depressive symptoms, indicating the need for cautious prescription in patients at high risk for depression.

research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant

23 citations , October 2005 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that finasteride 1 mg daily, taken before and after hair transplant surgery, significantly improved scalp hair coverage and density in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Well-Being Among a 63-Year-Old Cohort of Women With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Finnish Population-Based Study

research Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Well-Being Among a 63-Year-Old Cohort of Women With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Finnish Population-Based Study

24 citations , August 2005 in “Health and Quality of Life Outcomes”

This study observed that women aged 63 with androgenetic alopecia had higher insulin resistance and more role limitations due to physical health compared to those with normal hair.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Children: Report of 20 Cases

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

In this case series, researchers observed androgenetic alopecia in 20 prepubertal children with a strong genetic predisposition, despite the condition typically not occurring before puberty.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research The Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss and Other Applications of Surgical Hair Restoration in Women

4 citations , May 2004 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

This article discusses the increasing number of women opting for surgical hair restoration and attributes it to improved techniques and greater public awareness, but reports no clinical results.

research Finasteride Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss in Normoandrogenic Postmenopausal Women

72 citations , January 2004 in “Dermatology”

This study found that oral finasteride, at a dosage of 2.5 mg/day or more, may improve hair growth and appearance in postmenopausal women with pattern hair loss, without adverse effects.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Comparative Efficacy of Various Treatment Regimens for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

80 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that combining oral finasteride with topical minoxidil resulted in the greatest improvement in hair growth for male patients with androgenetic alopecia, compared to using any single treatment.

research Fluridil, A Rationally Designed Topical Agent For Androgenetic Alopecia: First Clinical Experience

17 citations , August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that topical fluridil increased the anagen hair percentage in men with androgenetic alopecia without causing irritation or systemic absorption over 9 months.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

research The Prevalence and Types of Androgenetic Alopecia in Korean Men and Women

157 citations , July 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia among Korean men and women was found to be lower than in caucasians, with Korean men showing more frontal hairline preservation and a higher incidence of 'female pattern' hair thinning.

research Incidence of Female Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Alopecia)

6 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study observed that female androgenetic alopecia is common among Caucasian women, starting in the late 20s and peaking after age 50.

research Lack of Efficacy of Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

239 citations , November 2000 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, finasteride 1 mg/day for 12 months did not improve hair growth or slow hair thinning in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

research The Psychosocial Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Research Literature

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

This review discusses the psychological and social impacts of androgenetic alopecia and suggests that medical treatments can have some positive psychological effects, highlighting the condition's moderate stress and impact on body image.

research Prevalence of Male Pattern Hair Loss in 18–49 Year Old Men

50 citations , December 1998 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, 42% of healthy men aged 18-49 showed moderate to extensive male pattern hair loss, with prevalence increasing significantly with age.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that minoxidil significantly increases VEGF mRNA and protein expression in dermal papilla cells, suggesting a role in enhancing hair follicle vascularization in androgenetic alopecia.

research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia

92 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

This study found that 2% ketoconazole shampoo improved hair density and anagen follicle proportion in androgenic alopecia similarly to minoxidil treatment, suggesting a potential role for Malassezia in inflammation.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

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”

This study concluded that horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens provide more diagnostic information for male pattern androgenetic alopecia than vertical sections and can predict hair regrowth potential following topical minoxidil therapy.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

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

This article presents a classification system for stages of female-pattern androgenetic alopecia to aid early diagnosis and mentions existing systems for rare male-pattern cases, but reports no new clinical results.