Clinical Patterns of Hair Loss in Men
July 2021
in “Dermatologic Clinics”
TLDR The document concludes that more research is needed to understand hair loss in men and to find new treatments.
The document provides an overview of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men, acknowledging the well-known role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-reductase in its development, while also pointing out the emerging significance of other factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, prostaglandins, vasculogenesis, Wnt/ß-catenin, and transforming growth factor-ß. It notes the potential association between lifestyle factors, comorbidities like cardiovascular risk, and AGA, as well as the coexistence of senescent alopecia with AGA in older individuals. The document calls for more research to fully understand the pathophysiology of AGA, to identify new therapeutic targets, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatments that address these newly identified pathways. It also highlights the need for larger and prospective studies to explore the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA and to assess the clinical relevance of antioxidants in AGA treatment.
View this study on sciencedirect.com →
Cited in this study
research Implications of cigarette smoking on early‐onset androgenetic alopecia: A cross‐sectional Study
Smoking increases early hair loss risk in men; quitting may help prevent it.
research Dexpanthenol may be a novel treatment for male androgenetic alopecia: Analysis of nine cases
Dexpanthenol improves hair growth in male baldness.
research Efficacy and safety of a new formulation kit (shampoo + lotion) containing anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant agents to treat hair loss
The new hair loss treatment kit was safe and improved hair growth without any adverse effects.
research Increased DHEAS and Decreased Total Testosterone Serum Levels in a Subset of Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Exist?
Some men with early hair loss may have a male version of PCOS, affecting hormones and increasing health risks.
research Androgenetic Alopecia: Relationship to Anthropometric Indices, Blood Pressure and Life-Style Habits
Men with hair loss have higher BMI, waist size, blood pressure, and are linked to smoking and inactivity.
research In silico analysis of gene expression data from bald frontal and haired occipital scalp to identify candidate genes in male androgenetic alopecia
Found 32 genes linked to male baldness, affecting hair growth and stress-related pathways.
research Quality of life assessment in patients with androgenetic alopecia
research Stimulation of Hair Growth by Small Molecules that Activate Autophagy
Certain small molecules can promote hair growth by activating a cellular cleanup process called autophagy.
research Histopathology of aging of the hair follicle
Hair becomes gray and thin as we age, and while most hair loss in older people is due to genetics, there's a chance for gray hair to regain color under certain conditions.
research Clinical profile of androgenic alopecia and its association with cardiovascular risk factors
research The association of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in early-onset androgenetic alopecia in males: A case–control study
research Melatonin vitamin C-based nanovesicles for treatment of androgenic alopecia: Design, characterization and clinical appraisal
research Clinical cosmeceutical repurposing of melatonin in androgenic alopecia using nanostructured lipid carriers prepared with antioxidant oils
research Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Annurca apple supplement safely increases hair growth and keratin in humans.
research Meta-Analysis on Evidence of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia
PRP treatment helps hair growth and density with 70.7% success, but more research needed.
research Mediterranean diet: fresh herbs and fresh vegetables decrease the risk of Androgenetic Alopecia in males
Mediterranean diet with fresh herbs and vegetables lowers male hair loss risk.
research The role of oxidative stress in early-onset androgenetic alopecia
Oxidative stress increases in early hair loss, and family history plays a role; antioxidants may help future treatments.
research Androgenic alopecia, premature graying, and hair thinning as independent predictors of coronary artery disease in young Asian males
Early balding, premature graying, and hair thinning can predict heart disease in young Asian males.
research Glycolipid and Hormonal Profiles in Young Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: A meta-analysis
Young men with early hair loss have slightly worse blood sugar and fat levels, suggesting possible health risks and need for monitoring.
research Does a male polycystic ovarian syndrome equivalent exist?
Early onset baldness in men may indicate a condition similar to PCOS, linked to heart disease, diabetes, and prostate issues.
research Oxidative stress management in the hair follicle: Could targeting NRF2 counter age‐related hair disorders and beyond?
Activating NRF2 might help treat hair disorders by improving antioxidant defenses.
research Lipid profile in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a meta-analysis
People with hair loss have worse cholesterol levels, possibly linking hair loss to heart problems.
research The combination of overweight and smoking increases the severity of androgenetic alopecia
Overweight smokers have worse hair loss.
research Stress-induced premature senescence of dermal papilla cells compromises hair follicle epithelial-mesenchymal interaction
Stress can cause early aging in certain skin cells, leading to problems with hair growth.
research Bimatoprost for the treatment of eyelash, eyebrow and scalp alopecia
Bimatoprost is promising for treating some types of hair loss but needs more testing for androgenetic alopecia.
research Oxidative Damage Control in a Human (Mini-) Organ: Nrf2 Activation Protects against Oxidative Stress-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition
Activating Nrf2 protects human hair follicles from oxidative stress and helps prevent hair growth inhibition.
research Androgens modify Wnt agonists/antagonists expression balance in dermal papilla cells preventing hair follicle stem cell differentiation in androgenetic alopecia
Androgens prevent hair growth by changing Wnt signals in cells.
research Frequency, severity and related factors of androgenetic alopecia in dermatology outpatient clinic: hospital-based cross-sectional study in Turkey
AGA more common in men, increases with age, linked to family history, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking.
research Apoptosis in follicles of individuals with female pattern hair loss is associated with perifollicular microinflammation
Hair loss in women links to inflammation around hair follicles.
research A Comparison of the Hormonal Profile of Early Androgenetic Alopecia in Men With the Phenotypic Equivalent of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women
Men with early hair loss have similar hormone levels to women with PCOS, possibly increasing risk of obesity and heart issues.
research An investigation of crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin and transforming growth factor-β signaling in androgenetic alopecia
Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β pathways affect hair loss, and activating Wnt/β-catenin could be a potential treatment.
research Severity of Alopecia Predicts Coronary Changes and Arterial Stiffness in Untreated Hypertensive Men
Men with severe early-onset baldness may have worse heart artery function and stiffer arteries if they have high blood pressure.
research Metabolic syndrome in androgenic alopecia
research Androgenetic alopecia as an indicator of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk
Hair loss may indicate higher heart risk and metabolic issues.
research Relationship between androgenetic alopecia and cardiovascular risk factors according to BASP classification in Koreans
Hair loss links to high blood pressure, high fat levels, and metabolic issues, suggesting early heart disease screening.
research Sulforaphane promotes murine hair growth by accelerating the degradation of dihydrotestosterone
Sulforaphane may help with hair growth by breaking down a hormone that causes hair loss.
research The impact of oxidative stress on hair
Oxidative stress damages hair and contributes to aging, and managing it can help maintain hair health.
research Is early onset androgenic alopecia a marker of metabolic syndrome and carotid artery atherosclerosis in young Indian male patients?
Early balding in young Indian men may indicate a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and potential heart disease.
research Foxp1 Regulates the Proliferation of Hair Follicle Stem Cells in Response to Oxidative Stress during Hair Cycling
Foxp1 helps control hair stem cell growth and response to stress during hair growth cycles.
research Oxidative Stress–Associated Senescence in Dermal Papilla Cells of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
Oxidative stress affects hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.
research Mitochondrial Function in Murine Skin Epithelium Is Crucial for Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Interactions
Healthy mitochondria in skin cells are essential for proper hair growth and skin cell interaction in mice.
research Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women
The nutritional supplement improved hair density and reduced hair loss in women with female pattern hair loss.
research Age-related hair changes in men: Mechanisms and management of alopecia and graying
Men's hair loss is caused by hormones and genes, and can be treated with medication and surgery, while graying is due to aging and has no prevention except dyeing.
research Normal and Aging Hair Biology and Structure ‘Aging and Hair'
Hair gets thinner, grayer, and changes texture with age due to genetics, environment, and cellular changes, affecting the growth cycle.
research Alopecia and its association with coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors: A meta-analysis
People with alopecia are at higher risk for heart disease and have more heart-related risk factors.
research Androgenetic alopecia, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance: Is there any association? A case-control study
Hair loss linked to metabolic issues and insulin resistance; early assessment may reduce future health risks.
research Does prostaglandin D2 hold the cure to male pattern baldness?
Prostaglandin D₂ might be targeted for new male pattern baldness treatments.
research Association between androgenetic alopecia and coronary artery disease in young male patients
Hair loss linked to heart disease in young men.
research An epidemiological study of androgenic alopecia in 3114 Korean patients
Smoking and drinking worsened hair loss in men with genetic hair loss, while eating and sleeping habits didn't; genetics played a bigger role than environment in hair loss.
research Androgenic Alopecia Is Associated with Less Dietary Soy, Higher Blood Vanadium and rs1160312 1 Polymorphism in Taiwanese Communities
Men with more vanadium in their blood and who drink less soy milk are more likely to have hair loss.
research Microarray analysis of androgenetic and senescent alopecia: Comparison of gene expression shows two distinct profiles
The conclusion is that androgenetic alopecia and senescent alopecia have unique gene changes, suggesting different causes and potential treatments for these hair loss types.
research The Contribution of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors to Male Alopecia
Genetic and environmental factors, like smoking and exercise, affect male hair loss.
research The Basic Science of Hair Biology
Hair disorders are caused by a complex mix of biology, genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, affecting hair growth and leading to conditions like alopecia.
research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.
research Hydrogen peroxide and monoethanolamine are the key causative ingredients for hair dye-induced dermatitis and hair loss
Hydrogen peroxide and monoethanolamine in hair dye can cause dermatitis and hair loss.
research Prostaglandin D 2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.
research Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?
No true link between AGA and insulin resistance, but coexistence may worsen AGA.
research Human Hair Follicle and Epidermal Melanocytes Exhibit Striking Differences in Their Aging Profile which Involves Catalase
Hair follicle cells age faster and lose pigment due to less catalase, causing hair to turn gray.
research How real is senescent alopecia? A histopathologic approach
Aging alone rarely causes significant hair loss; hormones are a bigger factor.
research I‐Ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate represses the dihydrotestosterone‐induced dickkopf‐1 expression in human balding dermal papilla cells
Vitamin C derivative reduces hair loss-related protein in cells.
research Profiling the Response of Human Hair Follicles to Ultraviolet Radiation
UVB radiation harms hair growth and health, causing cell death and other changes in human hair follicles.
research Androgenetic alopecia in males: a histopathological and ultrastructural study
Hair loss in males involves inflammation, collagen buildup, and follicle damage, with severity increasing with age and baldness duration.
research Keratinocyte Growth Inhibition through the Modification of Wnt Signaling by Androgen in Balding Dermal Papilla Cells
Androgens slow hair growth by altering Wnt signaling in balding cells.
research Oxidative stress in ageing of hair
Oxidative stress contributes to hair graying and loss as we age.
research Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible Dickkopf 1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Causes Apoptosis in Follicular Keratinocytes
A substance called DKK-1 increases in balding areas and causes hair cells to die when exposed to DHT.
research Prostanoid receptors in anagen human hair follicles
Human hair follicles contain a complex network of prostanoid receptors that may influence hair growth.
research Association of Androgenetic Alopecia With Smoking and Its Prevalence Among Asian Men
Smoking linked to hair loss in Asian men.
research Prostaglandin metabolism in human hair follicle
Human hair follicles can make and process prostaglandins, which may affect hair growth.
research Pharmacologic interventions in aging hair
Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective for male baldness; more research is needed for hair aging treatments.
research Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair‐growing agent
Apple procyanidin applied to the scalp may help grow hair without side effects.
research The lack of significant changes in scalp hair follicle density with advancing age
Aging alone barely affects the number of hair follicles, meaning hair loss is minimal without other conditions like androgenetic alopecia.
research Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial
Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.
research Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
research Histological features of peripilar signs associated with androgenetic alopecia
Peripilar signs can help diagnose androgenetic alopecia and reveal its cause.
research Androgenetic alopecia in men aged 40-69 years: prevalence and risk factors
Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.
research Identification of Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 Derived from Dermal Papilla Cells as a Key Mediator in Androgenetic Alopecia
TGF-β1 from dermal papilla cells suppresses hair growth, and targeting it may help treat androgenetic alopecia.
research Association between Smoking and Hair Loss: Another Opportunity for Health Education against Smoking?
Smoking may contribute to hair loss in men.
research Is Androgenetic Alopecia a Photoaggravated Dermatosis?
Sunlight worsens hair loss; protect scalp.
research Androgen‐inducible TGF‐β1 from balding dermal papilla cells inhibits epithelial cell growth: a clue to understanding paradoxical effects of androgen on human hair growth
Androgens may cause hair loss by increasing TGF-beta1 from scalp cells, which inhibits hair cell growth.
research Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia
AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
research The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B‐2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent
Procyanidin B-2 lotion might help men grow thicker hair without side effects.
research Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis
VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.
research Androgenetic alopecia and microinflammation
Inflammation may be linked to hair loss, and targeting specific enzymes could help treat it.
research Antioxidants and lipid peroxidation status in the blood of patients with alopecia
research Minoxidil upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human hair dermal papilla cells
Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.
research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by activating PGHS-1.
research Inhibitory effects of bFGF, VEGF and minoxidil on collagen synthesis by cultured hair dermal papilla cells
bFGF, VEGF, and minoxidil decrease collagen production in hair cells, possibly affecting hair growth.
research Cutaneous immunopathology of androgenetic alopecia
research Alterations in scalp blood flow after the epicutaneous application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in alopecia
Minoxidil didn't increase scalp blood flow for hair growth, but hexyl nicotinate did.
research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography
Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.
Related
research Androgenetic Alopecia: May Growth Factor Mimetic Oligopeptides Supplement Minoxidil and Finasteride Therapy?
Certain peptides, caffeine, taurine, and an iron complex may improve hair regrowth when used with minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss.
research Hair loss (alopecia or baldness)
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
research A bald statement - Current approaches to manipulate miniaturisation focus only on promoting hair growth
The conclusion is that future hair loss treatments should target the root causes of hair thinning, not just promote hair growth.
research Treatment of Hair Loss
Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
research CLINICAL UPDATES IN HAIR
Most treatments for hair loss in 1997 were not effective for most people, and maintaining hair growth was difficult.