Pathogenesis of Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2004 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Alfredo Rebora

androgenetic alopecia male pattern baldness kenogen hair follicle finasteride 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor hair miniaturization AGA Propecia

Studysummary This article proposes three mechanisms by which dihydrotestosterone may contribute to baldness but reports no new research findings.

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

This 2004 scientific paper discusses the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness. The paper proposes three mechanisms that contribute to AGA and suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the condition. The paper also introduces the concept of "kenogen," a resting phase of the hair follicle that may be a key factor in the development of AGA. The paper concludes that finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, has been shown to reverse hair miniaturization in men with AGA.

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Research cited in this study

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research Kenogen

90 citations , January 2002 in “Dermatology”

This study describes the kenogen phase, where hair follicles rest after shedding, and finds its duration and frequency are greater in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, potentially contributing to baldness.

research Possible Mechanisms of Miniaturization During Androgenetic Alopecia or Pattern Hair Loss

116 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that miniaturization in pattern hair loss may occur abruptly and can be reversed with treatment, as supported by histologic evidence in finasteride-responsive patients.

research Teloptosis: A Turning Point in Hair Shedding Biorhythms

56 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatology”

This study introduces the concept of teloptosis, which influences hair shedding during the telogen phase and affects hair density, highlighting that early or delayed teloptosis has noticeable effects.

Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women

145 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.

research What Controls Hair Follicle Cycling?

50 citations , August 1999 in “Experimental dermatology”

This review discusses the need for more research on how the chronobiological control systems regulate hair follicle cycling and reports no new results.

research Assessing Hair Shedding in Children

14 citations , January 1999 in “Dermatology”

This study found that the wash test reliably measures hair shedding in children, with the number of shed hairs increasing with age and suggesting a potential early onset of androgenetic alopecia.

research Delayed Telogen Replacement in a Boy's Scalp

16 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

This study observed that vellus hairs and empty spaces are present in prepubertal children's scalps, but they likely do not indicate androgenetic alopecia, suggesting a natural 'true resting' phase of scalp hair.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium

75 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review examines chronic telogen effluvium, highlighting its distinctive features and the need for reassurance about its non-progressive nature, but reports no new clinical results.

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Telogen Effluvium: An Etiopathogenetic Theory

13 citations , May 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article presents a theory on the causes and development of telogen effluvium and reports no new clinical findings.