TLDR The document concludes that early diagnosis is key for treating common baldness in women, but reassurance is often the best approach as hair thinning can be a normal part of aging.
The document from December 1981 examines common baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in women, highlighting the similarity in histological changes in hair follicles between men and women, such as shortened anagen phase and follicular atrophy. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis for effective treatment and acknowledges the role of genetic factors in the condition. The paper reviews treatment options, including antiandrogens like cyproterone acetate, but notes the limited clinical efficacy of topical antiandrogens at that time. It also discusses the use of oral corticosteroids and oral antiandrogens, though it points out the lack of conclusive studies supporting their effectiveness. The conclusion advises that hormonal treatments should only be considered for well-informed women and emphasizes that hair thinning is often a normal part of aging, suggesting that reassurance may be the best approach for many patients.
25 citations,
November 1979 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Androgens affect skin conditions like acne and hair loss through specific biochemical pathways.
666 citations,
September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
74 citations,
November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology” Increased DHT formation in skin can cause hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth, and antiandrogens might treat these conditions.
232 citations,
June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.
63 citations,
October 1972 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Women with thinning hair have thinner hair strands than women without hair loss.
81 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.
22 citations,
January 2002 in “Treatments in endocrinology” Birth control pills help treat skin and hair growth problems linked to high male hormone levels.
July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks” The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excess body hair are available, but managing expectations is important.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
10 citations,
January 2014 in “Journal of Mid-life Health” Menopause can cause skin issues, and seeing a dermatologist helps.
