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.
49 citations,
January 2004 in “Dermatology” Men with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience it themselves, especially if both parents have hair loss.
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13 citations,
January 2016 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.
72 citations,
January 2001 in “Drugs” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.
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October 2020 in “Natural Products and Bioprospecting” Various treatments, including FDA-approved drugs, natural products, and oral supplements, can help with hair loss, but a patient's medical history and potential allergies should be considered when choosing a treatment.
42 citations,
August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health” Female pattern hair loss is caused by multiple factors and while treatments like topical minoxidil, hormone therapy, and low-level light therapy can help, none can fully cure it.
11 citations,
June 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Combination therapies work better than single treatments for hair loss.
January 2014 in “Cosmoderma” The document concludes that personalized treatment plans for hair loss in Asian men are necessary and more research is needed to develop effective guidelines.