Fortnightly review: Male pattern androgenetic alopecia
September 1998
in “BMJ”
TLDR Hair loss in men is common, treatable, but not curable.
Male pattern androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss in men caused by genetics and hormones. It affects 30% of white men by age 30 and 50% by age 50. Effective treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, but there is no cure. Hair transplantation surgery may also be an option. It is important to manage patient expectations and provide emotional support. New treatments, such as inhibitors and gene therapy, are in development.
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Cited in this study
research ANDROGEN METABOLISM AS IT AFFECTS HAIR GROWTH IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.
research Androgens and human hair growth
research Diagnostic and predictive value of horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens in male pattern androgenetic alopecia
Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
research The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men
Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
research Cultured dermal papilla cells from androgen-dependent human hair follicles (e.g. beard) contain more androgen receptors than those from non-balding areas of scalp
Beard hair follicles have more androgen receptors than non-balding scalp hair follicles.
research Natural progression of male pattern baldness in young men
Young men with male pattern baldness lose hair density over time without treatment.
research Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: Effects of discontinuation of treatment
Stopping minoxidil treatment resumes balding; continuous use needed for results.
research Use of Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness
Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.
![[Female pattern androgenic alopecia in the male].](/images/research/00a8aa88-f883-4552-8c6f-5d6d664233a1/small/12382.jpg)
research [Female pattern androgenic alopecia in the male].
A man showed signs of female pattern hair loss, which is unusual according to traditional understanding of male baldness.