Female Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

May 1995 in “ Australasian Journal of Dermatology ”

Annette Callan, J. Montalto

female androgenetic alopecia anti-androgen therapy minoxidil 5-androstanediol sulphate Rogaine

TLDR Hair loss in women can be slowed with treatment, but more research needed for better solutions.

Female androgenetic alopecia is a common genetic condition that causes hair loss in women. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination, and treatment options include anti-androgen therapy and minoxidil. While these treatments can slow down hair loss, they may not result in new hair growth. Hormonal studies are usually normal, but elevated levels of 5-androstanediol sulphate may be present in some women. The condition is less psychologically damaging for women than men, and early detection and treatment are important. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

17 / 17 results

research The Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

192 citations , June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.

research Psychological Characteristics of Women with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled Study

58 citations , September 1991 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Women with AGA often face anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem; psychological support is important.

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 Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

32 citations , January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.

research Increased Androgen Binding Capacity in Sebaceous Glands in Scalp of Male-Pattern Baldness

51 citations , January 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Men with male-pattern baldness have more androgen receptors in their scalp's oil glands, which may contribute to hair loss.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

130 citations , May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

"Male-pattern" hair loss is common in women, especially after menopause, and doesn't always mean there's a problem with hormone balance.

research Alterations in Scalp Blood Flow After the Epicutaneous Application of 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Hexyl Nicotinate in Alopecia

25 citations , November 1987 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil didn't increase scalp blood flow for hair growth, but hexyl nicotinate did.

research Long-Term Follow-Up of Men with Male Pattern Baldness Treated with Topical Minoxidil

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

Minoxidil keeps most hair growth from first year and twice-daily use is better with few side effects.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia With Cimetidine

19 citations , March 1987 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

A drug called cimetidine can help treat hair loss in women by blocking androgen receptors. However, it's not the first choice and needs more research.

Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

research Female Androgenic Alopecia: The 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide/Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Ratio as a Possible Marker for Female Pattern Baldness

13 citations , September 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Women with more 3α,17β-androstanediol glucuronide compared to sex hormone binding globulin are more likely to have female pattern baldness.

research Contact Dermatitis to Minoxidil

34 citations , September 1985 in “Contact Dermatitis”

Minoxidil can cause skin irritation like eczema and rash in some users.

research Topical Minoxidil Therapy in Hereditary Androgenetic Alopecia

55 citations , February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Minoxidil applied twice daily can help regrow hair in some people with hereditary baldness, with no serious 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 Topical Minoxidil for Hair Regrowth

80 citations , September 1984 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil helps hair regrowth in androgenic alopecia.

research Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women

43 citations , July 1984 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Antiandrogen therapy helped increase hair growth in women with hormonal imbalances related to baldness.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

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.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Acne, Hirsutism, and Virilism

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Study: There is 70x Higher Unconjugated DHT in Feces Compared To Blood Levels in Young Adults - Gut Microbiota Manages DHT Recycling and Metabolism

in Research/Science 198 upvotes 4 months ago

Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.

community Testosterone and DHT levels through the roof yet has better hair than the majority of guys who are “healthy” genetics are everything

in Satire 554 upvotes 2 years ago

The conclusion of this conversation about hair loss is that genetics play a significant role in determining hair loss, and specific treatments like finasteride may not be effective against certain compounds like masteron and trenbolone.

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens.

in Research/Science 2 upvotes 10 months ago

A method for treating androgenic alopecia using minoxidil, antiandrogens, exercise, and cold exposure to promote hair growth. Environmental factors and lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can improve treatment effectiveness.

Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

community Physio-metabolic method of treating androgenic alopecia. Cold receptors. The relationship between DHT, cold receptors, minoxidil and antiandrogens

in Research 413 upvotes 10 months ago

Treating androgenic alopecia with minoxidil, finasteride, and antiandrogens, alongside exercise, cryotherapy, and natural substances to stimulate cold receptors for better hair growth. The method focuses on enhancing treatment effectiveness by considering environmental and behavioral factors and the role of cold receptors and muscle stress.

community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

in Progress Pictures 224 upvotes 1 year ago

A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

community How I recovered from 4+ years of severe balding ages 20-24 by dieting, lifestyle changes and ONLY using topical minoxidil

in Progress Pictures 473 upvotes 2 months ago

A user reversed severe hair loss with dieting, lifestyle changes, and topical minoxidil, highlighting reduced inflammation and body fat. The conversation debates finasteride's effectiveness and the impact of diet and lifestyle on hair health.