An Interview with Drs. Felix Brockschmidt and Markus Nöthen About the Genetics of Androgenetic Alopecia

Finasteride is effective for DHT/AR-driven hair loss but not for chromosome 20-driven cases, where treatments like minoxidil, prostaglandin analogs, and low-level laser therapy may be more beneficial. Genetic testing can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss to tailor treatment effectively.

Some hair loss may be linked to chromosome 20, which isn't affected by DHT blockers like finasteride. Treatments like minoxidil, microneedling, and genetic testing are suggested, but their effectiveness for this type of hair loss is uncertain.

A 25-year-old male experienced significant hair loss due to telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. He began using finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamins, seeing some regrowth but remains worried about hair density.

A dermatologist checked for hereditary hair loss using blood tests and plans to perform a trichogram. The user had slightly low Vitamin D3 levels, and the trichogram may help confirm androgenetic alopecia.

A 26-year-old man with diffuse alopecia is using electric scalp massage, dermastamp, and multivitamins for treatment but is intolerant to finasteride. A dermatologist recommended PRP and mesotherapy with exosomes and dutasteride.

The user experienced male pattern baldness starting at 18, tried finasteride with no success, and switched to dutasteride, which halted hair loss. Minoxidil had no effect for them, while their brother, who didn't use AR inhibitors, maintained a juvenile hairline and successfully grew a beard with minoxidil, highlighting the unpredictable nature of genetics in hair loss and treatment response.