TLDR AGA is a genetic, hormonal hair loss treated with finasteride, minoxidil, and supplements, but new compounds are being developed.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss caused by genetics and hormones, affecting both men and women. It is triggered by DHT, which transforms hair follicles into miniaturized follicles. Finasteride and minoxidil are common treatments for AGA, but they may have potential side effects. New investigational compounds like G1198745 and W09704002 are being developed to target AGA. Supplements like biotin, iron, and zinc are important for hair growth, while herbal and over-the-counter remedies are generally ineffective. The psychological effects of AGA in men are also discussed.
581 citations,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
186 citations,
July 1998 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Shorter CAG repeats may cause hair and skin issues, while longer ones may link to acne.
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.
11 citations,
August 1997 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” Many potential alopecia treatments need more testing to confirm they promote acceptable hair growth with minimal side effects.
154 citations,
October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Estrogen affects hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
73 citations,
January 1994 in “European Urology” Finasteride works better than Permixon in reducing dihydrotestosterone levels.
15 citations,
September 1992 in “The Lancet” Stopping minoxidil caused significant hair loss, but regrowth occurred after resuming use.
192 citations,
June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
23 citations,
January 2002 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Finasteride helps hair growth by decreasing cell death in hair follicles.
1 citations,
November 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Oral cyclosporin doesn't stop hair loss.
72 citations,
January 2001 in “Drugs” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.
November 1999 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Treatments for hair loss include hormone modifiers, minoxidil, and hair transplant surgery.
30 citations,
January 1999 in “Dermatology” Cyclosporine A can help some people with severe alopecia areata regrow hair.
63 citations,
March 1995 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Some drugs can cause hair loss, and stopping these drugs often leads to hair regrowth.
1 citations,
May 1990 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” 
40 citations,
May 1987 in “The Lancet” Minoxidil helps some bald men, but most lose hair again when stopping.
