The Inflammatory Component of Androgenetic Alopecia
November 2021
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
androgenetic alopecia androgens dihydrotestosterone 5 α-reductase androgen receptors follicular miniaturization anagen phase topical minoxidil oral finasteride low-dose oral minoxidil dutasteride spironolactone platelet-rich plasma red light 660-nm laser hair transplantation AGA DHT 5AR Rogaine Propecia PRP
TLDR Androgenetic alopecia, a genetic disorder affecting up to 50% of adults, is caused by an excessive response to androgens leading to hair follicle shrinkage. Treatments include FDA-approved drugs, other therapies like low-dose oral minoxidil, and hair transplantation.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetic disorder that may affect up to 50% of adults, characterized by an excessive response to androgens. This leads to higher production of dihydrotestosterone and increased levels of 5 α-reductase and androgen receptors in the balding scalp. The excessive activation of these receptors results in follicular miniaturization through a progressively shorter anagen phase. Currently, only two FDA-approved drugs exist for AGA treatment: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Other therapies such as low-dose oral minoxidil, dutasteride, spironolactone, platelet-rich plasma, red light, and 660-nm laser have shown some efficacy. Hair transplantation can also be effective for suitable candidates.
