Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

May 2023 in “ Drugs ”

Shivali Devjani, Ogechi Ezemma, Kristen J. Kelley, Emma Stratton, Maryanne M. Senna

TLDR There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss, affects 80% of men and 50% of women by age 70. The FDA has approved two drugs for AGA: topical minoxidil and oral finoxidil. Other treatments include topical finasteride, dutasteride, oral minoxidil, spironolactone, flutamide, bicalutamide, clascoterone, pyrilutamide, and injectable treatments like botulinum A toxin and dutasteride mesotherapy. Non-drug treatments include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), microneedling, and nutritional supplements. The document concludes that more large-scale, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trials are needed to make informed decisions about AGA treatments.

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139 citations, June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.

research Treatment of Hyperandrogenic Alopecia in Women

108 citations, January 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide may slightly improve hair loss in women, but finasteride does not work.

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”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

Related Research

10 / 10 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

May 2023 in “Drugs”

There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.

research Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation

May 2023 in “Clinics in Plastic Surgery”

Noninvasive treatments like PRP and laser therapy can effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

research Ethnopharmacological Review of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alopecia

March 2023 in “International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology”

Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.

research Pediatric Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review

January 2023 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Early diagnosis and personalized treatment are crucial for managing hair loss in children.

research Relative Efficacy of Microneedling in the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss: A Protocol for a Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis

September 2022

Microneedling may be an effective treatment for pattern hair loss.

research Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation

August 2022 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Noninvasive treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and low-light laser therapy can help with hair loss.

research Microneedling: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Androgenetic Alopecia, A Review of Literature

13 citations, September 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Microneedling may help hair loss, but needs more research.

research Physiology and Medical Treatments for Alopecia

8 citations, April 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy are effective FDA-approved treatments for hair loss.

research Update on the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Medical Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

19 citations, November 2010 in “PubMed”

New genetic insights have improved understanding of hair loss, leading to a new test and treatments, but more research is needed on the test and laser comb effectiveness.

research Types of Hair Loss and Treatment Options, Including the Novel Low-Level Light Therapy and Its Proposed Mechanism

46 citations, September 2010 in “Southern Medical Journal”

Hair loss treatments include medications and new methods like low-level light therapy, which may work by boosting cell activity and blood flow.