Current and Future Medical Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

September 2017

Chang Hun Huh

androgenetic alopecia 5-alpha reductase inhibitors finasteride dutasteride minoxidil cell-based treatments AGA Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Treatments for hair loss vary, but cell-based options may be the future.

This document discusses current and future medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), including 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride, minoxidil, and cell-based treatments. While these treatments have shown varying degrees of success, there is no standardized regimen or treatment schedule for AGA, and more studies are needed to establish the most effective treatment options. The paper suggests that cell-based treatments may represent the future of medical treatment for hair loss, but more time is needed to assess their cost-effectiveness and technical success.

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Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Safety and Tolerability of the Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

19 citations, January 2016 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Dutasteride is safe and effective for treating hair loss, but may decrease libido.

research Clinical Use of Conditioned Media of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Case Series Study

83 citations, March 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

ADSC-CM treatment improved hair density and thickness in women with hair loss, safely and effectively.

research Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Female Pattern Hair Loss

54 citations, December 2014 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration”

PRP injections may improve hair thickness and density in female hair loss patients.

research Effect of Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Recalcitrant to Finasteride

36 citations, June 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Dutasteride helps hair growth in those unresponsive to finasteride, but may cause more sexual dysfunction.

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations, April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.

research Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss

40 citations, January 2013 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science”

Iron deficiency may contribute to hair loss.

Mesotherapy Using Dutasteride-Containing Preparation in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Photographic, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Evaluation

research Mesotherapy Using Dutasteride-Containing Preparation in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Photographic, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Evaluation

41 citations, April 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Dutasteride-containing mesotherapy effectively treats female hair loss, improving density and thickness with minimal side effects.

The Efficacy and Safety of 17α-Estradiol (Ell-Cranell Alpha 0.025%) Solution on Female Pattern Hair Loss: Single Center, Open-Label, Non-Comparative, Phase IV Study

research The Efficacy and Safety of 17α-Estradiol (Ell-Cranell Alpha 0.025%) Solution on Female Pattern Hair Loss: Single Center, Open-Label, Non-Comparative, Phase IV Study

21 citations, January 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

17α-Estradiol solution safely improves hair density and thickness in female pattern hair loss.

research Relation Between Treatment Efficacy and Cumulative Dose of 3% Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness

4 citations, December 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Using more minoxidil solution can lead to better hair growth, but people often use only half the recommended amount. Education and motivation can improve results.

research Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride 1 mg in 3177 Japanese Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations, October 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride 1 mg effectively and safely increases hair growth in Japanese men with hair loss.

research Finasteride, 1 Mg Daily Administration on Male Androgenetic Alopecia in Different Age Groups: 10-Year Follow-Up

44 citations, July 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride effectively increases hair growth in men with AGA, works better for those over 30, and may cause some side effects.

research 5 mg/Day Finasteride Treatment for Normoandrogenic Asian Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

64 citations, June 2010 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride improves hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations, March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations, March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Oral Spironolactone Therapy for Female Patients with Acne, Hirsutism, or Androgenic Alopecia

101 citations, January 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Spironolactone is effective for treating acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia in women with few side effects.

research Local Therapy of Androgenetic Alopecia with 17 Alpha-Estradiol: A Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study

37 citations, July 1980 in “PubMed”

Hair lotions with 17 alpha-estradiol can reduce hair loss but won't regrow new hair.

Related Research

6 / 6 results

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Gender Minority Patients

8 citations, November 2019 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

AGA treatments like minoxidil and LLLLT are safe and effective for gender minority patients.

research Social Selection Favors Offspring Prone to the Development of Androgenetic Alopecia

December 2017 in “PubMed”

Society's pressure to have children later in life favors genes that increase the risk of early baldness in male offspring.

research Age-Related Hair Changes in Men: Mechanisms and Management of Alopecia and Graying

37 citations, October 2014 in “Maturitas”

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 Alterations in Hair Follicle Dynamics in Women

26 citations, January 2013 in “BioMed Research International”

Hormonal changes after childbirth and menopause can lead to women's hair loss and facial hair growth, with a need for better treatments.

research Managing Hair Loss in Midlife Women

17 citations, November 2012 in “Maturitas”

The conclusion is that proper evaluation and treatment of hair loss in midlife women is important, considering the emotional impact and potential for various treatments.

research Clinical Updates in Hair

19 citations, January 1997 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Most treatments for hair loss in 1997 were not effective for most people, and maintaining hair growth was difficult.