Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Treatments, and Future Prospects

May 2011 in “ Prime ”

Peter Charlish

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil finasteride ketoconazole stem cells prostaglandin derivative male pattern baldness Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Most American men experience hair loss by age 50, with limited effective treatments available and new options not expected soon.

The document from May 2011 discusses male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, which is prevalent among American men, with 66% experiencing hair loss by age 35 and 85% by age 50. It has a strong genetic link, with men having a 2.5 times higher risk if their fathers had hair loss. Americans spend approximately $3.5 billion on treatments annually. Only minoxidil and finasteride are approved in the US for treatment, with minoxidil having temporary effects and potential skin irritation, and finasteride, which can cause sexual side effects. Other treatments include surgical and non-surgical options, and off-label use of ketoconazole. The document also explores the potential of stem cells in treating male pattern baldness, as men with hair loss have a normal number of stem cells that do not mature properly. A prostaglandin derivative is in early trials for treating alopecia. However, no new treatments were expected to be marketed soon.

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Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Treatments, and Future Prospects

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