Evidence Based Treatments of Alopecia Areata

    December 2022
    Ahmed Hamza Al-Shammari, Qusay Jassam Shandookh
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    TLDR Minoxidil and finasteride are the only FDA-approved treatments for hair loss caused by genetic and hormonal factors, but their effectiveness is often doubted, indicating a need for new treatments.
    Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a major non-cicatricial alopecia that causes progressive hair follicle miniaturization, largely determined by a person's genetic makeup and hormonal environment. It is characterized by a shortening of the anagen phase and maintenance of the telogen phase. Females with AGA typically experience more diffuse hair loss over the head, while males usually see thinning near the vertex. The only FDA-approved treatments for AGA are minoxidil (used topically) and finasteride (an oral 5α-reductase inhibitor type II inhibitor). However, the effectiveness of these treatments is often questioned, highlighting the need for new therapeutics. This article aims to examine the causes and diagnostic tools used to identify AGA, in order to improve disease outcomes.
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      community Why don't Minoxidil regenerated hairs become terminal on the head?

      in Minoxidil  101 upvotes 7 months ago
      Minoxidil helps hair growth by increasing blood flow and prolonging the growth phase, but it doesn't address the root cause of hair loss, such as DHT sensitivity. Finasteride can help maintain some gains by blocking DHT, but stopping Minoxidil often leads to hair loss because the new hairs are dependent on it.

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      in Female  8 upvotes 2 years ago
      Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 1 year ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community Dht kills hair, but no one says why?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  40 upvotes 2 months ago
      DHT affects hair follicles, contributing to hair loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss, though they may have side effects and varying effectiveness.

      community Hair greed made me switch to Dut too early

      in Chat  42 upvotes 8 months ago
      The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss but faced increased shedding and anxiety, regretting not staying with finasteride longer. Other users shared mixed experiences, advising patience with dutasteride, as it may take up to a year to show results.

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