The Involvement of Androgens in Human Hair Growth

The document from 2015 explores the impact of androgens on human hair growth, with a focus on conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and hirsutism. It explains that AGA involves a shortened anagen phase and is influenced by both androgens and genetics, with treatments including hormonal therapies and minoxidil. Hirsutism, characterized by excessive hair growth in women, is treated with anti-androgens or cosmetic methods. The paper highlights the role of testosterone and its conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles, particularly in the dermal papilla, which is rich in androgen receptors and involved in androgen metabolism. Androgens are shown to affect the production of paracrine factors by dermal papilla cells, influencing hair growth. The document underscores the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing better treatments for hair disorders. However, it does not provide specific study numbers or participant details, as it is a general review.