Guidelines of Care for Androgenetic Alopecia

September 1996 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Lynn A. Drake, Scott M. Dinehart, Evan R. Farmer, Robert W. Goltz, Gloria F. Graham, Maria K. Hordinsky, Charles E. Lewis, David M. Pariser, Stephen D. Webster, Duane C. Whitaker, Barbara A. Butler, Barbara J. Lowery, Vera H. Price, Howard P. Baden, Richard L. DeVillez, Elise A. Olsen, Jerome L. Shupack

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil finasteride hair transplantation cosmetic camouflage male pattern hair loss female pattern hair loss Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Treat genetic hair loss early with FDA-approved medications and consider hair transplantation.

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss caused by genetics. The guidelines recommend early diagnosis and treatment with FDA-approved medications such as minoxidil and finasteride. The document provides recommendations for diagnosing and treating male and female pattern hair loss, including physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Treatment options include minoxidil, finasteride, and hair transplantation. The guidelines also address the use of hair transplantation and cosmetic camouflage. Patients should be counseled on realistic expectations and potential side effects.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Improvement in Androgenetic Alopecia (Stage V) Using Topical Minoxidil in a Retinoid Vehicle and Oral Finasteride

23 citations, December 1995 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Combination therapy improves hair growth in advanced hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Autosomal Dominant Disorder

80 citations, January 1995 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic factors and androgen excess, and can be treated with combined therapies.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

59 citations, September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations, March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

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”

Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.

research Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth: Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and the Effect of Minoxidil

85 citations, December 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in women with early-stage alopecia.

research Five-Year Follow-Up of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Treated with Topical Minoxidil

70 citations, April 1990 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical Aspects and Treatment

19 citations, January 1990 in “Springer eBooks”

research Long-Term Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness

41 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil effectively treats male pattern baldness and prevents hair loss.

research Topical Tretinoin for Hair Growth Promotion

73 citations, October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Tretinoin may help hair growth and works better when combined with minoxidil.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations, February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride and minoxidil work best together for hair loss.

research Pattern Hair Loss in Men: Diagnosis, Genetic Link, Clinical Features, and Treatments

58 citations, September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Male pattern hair loss caused by follicular miniaturization; early diagnosis and treatment can reduce psychological burden.

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 Guidelines Based Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2014 in “Cosmoderma”

The document concludes that personalized treatment plans for hair loss in Asian men are necessary and more research is needed to develop effective guidelines.

research Female Pattern Alopecia: Current Perspectives

42 citations, August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

Female pattern hair loss is caused by multiple factors and while treatments like topical minoxidil, hormone therapy, and low-level light therapy can help, none can fully cure it.