Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, Treatments, and Future Prospects

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.