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

Studysummary This review reports that while anti-androgen therapy can improve hair loss in up to 50% of women with androgenetic alopecia, it typically only slows the rate of loss rather than promoting new growth.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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.

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Research cited in this study

18 / 18 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”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia reported more psychosocial problems and lower self-esteem than women with non-visible skin conditions and men with androgenetic alopecia, which they attributed to their hair loss.

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”

This study found that women with female pattern androgenic alopecia have significantly higher levels of certain androgens and androgen sulfates compared to normal premenopausal women, suggesting markers for diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

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

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

This study found that sebaceous glands in bald scalp have greater androgen binding affinity and capacity than those in hairy scalp, possibly contributing to the androgenic response seen in male pattern baldness.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

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

This study found that frontal and frontoparietal hair recession is relatively common in women, especially after menopause, and may not indicate abnormal androgen metabolism absent other virilization signs.

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”

This study observed increases in scalp blood flow following the application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in individuals with alopecia.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia With Cimetidine

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

This study reports that cimetidine treatment resulted in good to excellent hair regrowth in 70% of the small group of women with androgenetic alopecia, with no major side effects observed.

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”

This study found that twice-daily application of 3% topical minoxidil maintained a higher nonvellus hair count compared to once-daily application over 2 years and 9 months in men with male pattern baldness.

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”

This study found that women with female pattern baldness often had a higher ratio of 3 alpha,17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide to sex hormone-binding globulin and lower serum sex hormone-binding globulin, possibly indicating minimal androgen excess.

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”

In this randomized trial, topical minoxidil treatment resulted in cosmetically acceptable hair growth in 32% of men with hereditary male pattern baldness, with no serious side effects reported.

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

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

This article discusses oral spironolactone therapy for female patients with acne, hirsutism, or androgenic alopecia and reports no new clinical results.

research The Inheritance Of Common Baldness: To Be Or Not To Be?

203 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study presents evidence suggesting that androgenetic alopecia is most likely inherited through a polygenic model, challenging the traditional view that it is caused by a simple Mendelian autosomal dominant gene.

research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Regrowth

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

In this study, 5% topical minoxidil was observed to promote hair regrowth in some patients with androgenic alopecia, while no regrowth was noted in patients with alopecia areata.

Effective Medical Treatment for Common Baldness in Women