Male And Female Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2014

Hans Wolff, Kathrin A. Giehl

androgenetic alopecia topical minoxidil systemic finasteride hair loss topical minoxidil 2% solution systemic therapy visible hair density AGA minoxidil finasteride

TLDR AGA causes permanent hair loss; women use 2% minoxidil, men use 1 mg finasteride daily.

The article discusses androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men and women, which is a genetically determined condition that leads to permanent hair loss. AGA affects a significant percentage of men and women at different ages. The article also discusses the efficacy and drawbacks of topical minoxidil and systemic finasteride for treating AGA in men and women. For women, topical minoxidil 2% solution is the only effective way of treating AGA, while for men, systemic therapy with finasteride 1 mg per day can stop further hair loss in 90% and increase visible hair density in 48% of treated men.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

36 / 36 results

research Association Analysis of Estrogen Receptor Beta Gene (ESR2) Polymorphisms with Female Pattern Hair Loss

27 citations , May 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

ESR2 gene variations may be linked to female pattern hair loss.

research Hair Loss in Women: Medical and Cosmetic Approaches to Increase Scalp Hair Fullness

75 citations , December 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Female pattern hair loss can be treated with medications, surgery, and cosmetic products, considering its psychological impact.

research Role of Genetics and Sex Steroid Hormones in Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Update

87 citations , May 2011 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Genetics and hormones play a role in male and female hair loss, but more research is needed to fully understand it.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations , January 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Minoxidil and Topical Alfatradiol in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

56 citations , May 2007 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss than alfatradiol, both safe.

research Genetic Variation in the Human Androgen Receptor Gene Is the Major Determinant of Common Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia

195 citations , July 2005 in “American Journal of Human Genetics”

Genetic variation in the androgen receptor gene mainly causes early-onset hair loss, with maternal inheritance playing a key role.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations , March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research Evaluation of Sexual Function With an International Index of Erectile Function in Subjects Taking Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations , July 2004 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride for hair loss has minimal impact on sexual function.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , April 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men Aged 40-69 Years: Prevalence and Risk Factors

155 citations , December 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.

research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride slightly better long-term, minoxidil faster initial results, but stopping minoxidil may cause hair loss.

research Safety of Topical Minoxidil Solution: A One-Year, Prospective, Observational Study

26 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Minoxidil solution safely and effectively treats hair loss.

research Hypertrichosis in Females Applying Minoxidil Topical Solution and in Normal Controls

63 citations , May 2003 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Minoxidil use increases facial hair growth in females, more in older users.

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , September 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Effects of Minoxidil 2% vs. Cyproterone Acetate Treatment on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Controlled, 12-Month Randomized Trial

149 citations , June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Treatment with Finasteride, 1 mg, Daily

66 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride increases hair weight and count in men with hair loss.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

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

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.

research Hair Density, Hair Diameter, and the Prevalence of Female Pattern Hair Loss

234 citations , February 2001 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.

research Finasteride Increases Anagen Hair in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

129 citations , October 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Finasteride helps increase hair growth in men with hair loss.

research Chronic Treatment with Finasteride Daily Does Not Affect Spermatogenesis or Semen Production in Young Men

104 citations , October 2000 in “The Journal of Urology”

Finasteride doesn't harm male fertility or sperm quality, but may slightly reduce ejaculate volume.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.

research Immunohistochemical Localization of Types 1 and 2 5α-Reductase in Human Scalp

100 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

The study found that two enzymes linked to hair loss are located in different parts of the scalp, supporting a common treatment's effectiveness.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Frontal Male Pattern Hair Loss

187 citations , June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively treats frontal hair loss with few side effects.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research Fortnightly Review: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

179 citations , September 1998 in “BMJ”

Hair loss in men is common, treatable, but not curable.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.

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: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations , December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Middle-aged women with chronic telogen effluvium experience increased hair shedding but usually don't get significantly thinner hair.

research Photographic Documentation of Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

102 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Photographic documentation crucial for evaluating hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations , March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

research Finasteride

187 citations , January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.

research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

19 / 19 results

research Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Increases Hair Density and Thickness in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Analysis of 60 Patients

4 citations , November 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

research Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review

16 citations , July 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.

research Use of Topical Finasteride vs Systemic Finasteride in Male Pattern Baldness

April 2021 in “Texila international journal of academic research”

research Efficacy and Safety of a New 10% Topical Minoxidil Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

14 citations , February 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

10% minoxidil solution better promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss without significant side effects.

research Topical Finasteride for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Current Literature

13 citations , June 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Topical finasteride helps regrow hair and reduce hair loss in men and women.

research Topical Finasteride Versus Topical Spironolactone in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2020 in “The Medical Journal of Cairo University”

research Medical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2020 in “Springer eBooks”

research Is Oral Finasteride Effective in Reversing Hair Loss in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2019

research Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical and Oral Treatments on Hormonal and Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2014 in “Anales Médicos de la Asociación Médica del Centro Médico ABC”

The combination of oral finasteride and dutasteride with topical minoxidil effectively promotes new hair growth in most people, with minimal side effects.

research The Therapeutic Progress of Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2012 in “Journal of Practical Dermatology”