Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Postmenopausal Women

January 2008 in “ Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas ”

Ryan Rivera, Aurora Guerra-Tapia

androgenetic alopecia postmenopausal women dihydrotestosterone DHT 5α reductase 5αR minoxidil cyproterone acetate spironolactone flutamide finasteride hyperandrogenism androgenic alopecia Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Treat hair loss in postmenopausal women with diet, avoiding certain drugs, and using medications like minoxidil or finasteride.

The article discusses the management of androgenetic alopecia in postmenopausal women, which affects over 50% of women throughout their lifetime. The condition is caused by the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α reductase (5αR). Diagnosis is difficult and requires laboratory tests to exclude other causes of hair loss. Treatment options include a suitable diet, ruling out drugs that cause hair loss, and using minoxidil, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, flutamide, or finasteride. Finasteride has been found to be effective in some cases, particularly in women with early-onset alopecia and hyperandrogenism. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed to obtain definitive results in women. The article also highlights the psychological effects of alopecia on women and provides references for further reading.

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Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

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The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

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Men with hair loss might have lichen planopilaris (LPP), which can mimic androgenetic alopecia, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. Proper diagnosis, including biopsies, is crucial to distinguish between androgenetic alopecia and conditions like LPP.

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