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

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

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

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research Hormonal Parameters in Androgenetic Hair Loss in Males

21 citations , October 2009 in “Dermatology”

This study found that male pattern hair loss may be associated with differences in serum levels of androstenedione, cortisol, 17 beta-estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, compared to controls.

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

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”

The authors concluded that chronic telogen effluvium in middle-aged women presents distinct clinical and histological features that differ from androgenetic alopecia and acute telogen effluvium.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Autosomal Dominant Disorder

80 citations , January 1995 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic factors and androgen excess, and can be treated with combined therapies.

research Alterations in Androgen Conjugate Levels in Women and Men with Alopecia

24 citations , October 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study suggests that in women with androgenic alopecia and men with premature balding, enhanced 5α-reductase activity and altered androgen conjugation, favoring sulfurylation, may be involved in scalp hair loss.

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness

61 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Biochemical Mechanisms Regulating Human Hair Growth

18 citations , January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This review discusses the enzyme levels involved in dihydrotestosterone formation in androgenetic alopecia patients and reports no new results; the authors suggest these differences may lead to better treatments for men and women.

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations , May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study concluded that horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens provide more diagnostic information for male pattern androgenetic alopecia than vertical sections and can predict hair regrowth potential following topical minoxidil therapy.

research Hair Anatomy for the Clinician

139 citations , July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the structure of hair follicles and their significance in evaluating hair disorders, but it does not report any new research findings.

research The Transverse Anatomy of Androgenic Alopecia

42 citations , December 1990 in “The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology”

This study found decreased hair density and altered follicular architecture in the balding frontal scalp of patients with androgenic alopecia, with increased vellus hairs noted.

research The Comparative Histopathology of Male-Pattern Baldness and Senescent Baldness

143 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This review discusses the histopathology of male-pattern baldness and highlights ongoing disputes over several aspects, including sebaceous gland size and follicle loss, reporting no new clinical findings.

research Biology of Scalp Hair Growth

48 citations , April 1982 in “Clinics in Plastic Surgery”

Male pattern baldness is common and can be managed with early intervention.