Male Pattern Hair Loss: Current Understanding

August 1998 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

David A. Whiting

male pattern hair loss androgenic alopecia genetics hormones dihydrotestosterone testosterone inflammation blood flow hair follicles finasteride 5α-reductase DHT Propecia

TLDR Genetics and hormones cause hair loss; finasteride treats it safely.

Male pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia, is a common condition caused by genetics and hormones. It affects both men and women, but is more noticeable in men and appears earlier in men than in women. The condition is caused by dihydrotestosterone affecting hair growth differently in different areas. Dihydrotestosterone is more important for hair growth than testosterone. The condition may be caused by inflammation and poor blood flow around hair follicles. Finasteride is a safe and effective drug for treating male pattern hair loss by inhibiting 5α-reductase and preventing the formation of DHT without affecting testosterone and sexual activity. Further research is needed to explore new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.

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Research cited in this study

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

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The study found that horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are better for analyzing hair loss, showing fewer hairs and more fine hairs in balding areas.

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