Mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia: Addressing Speculations Through Empirical Evidence

November 2019 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Deepak Upadhyay, Amit Sharma, Ganti Dattatreya Sarma, G. D. Gupta, Vineet Kumar Rai

androgenic alopecia DHT 5-alpha reductase testosterone Finasteride Minoxidil fibrosis calcification hair growth hair loss endocrine factors genetic predisposition AGA Dihydrotestosterone 5AR Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Hair loss in men is mainly caused by hormones and genes, and while current treatments can slow it down, they can't fully stop it.

The 2019 study "Mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia: addressing speculations through empirical evidences" explored the causes of Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), a condition affecting about 50% of males aged 40 to 75 years. The study confirmed that AGA's occurrence depends on endocrine factors and genetic predisposition, with Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) being the main androgen responsible for AGA. Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which converts testosterone to DHT, can improve hair growth and slow hair loss. However, existing treatments, such as Finasteride and Minoxidil, do not completely cure the condition. The study also highlighted the role of fibrosis and calcification in hair loss, with balding skin having only 60% of the total oxygen level in non-balding skin. The researchers concluded that understanding the molecular mechanisms and aetiology of AGA could lead to future targeted treatment strategies.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research A Hypothetical Pathogenesis Model for Androgenic Alopecia: Clarifying the Dihydrotestosterone Paradox and Rate-Limiting Recovery Factors

30 citations , February 2018 in “Medical Hypotheses”

The model suggests that scalp tension could lead to hair loss, with factors like blood vessel hardening, enlarged oil glands, and poor microcirculation also playing a role. It also hints at a possible link between skull shape and baldness pattern.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

153 citations , March 2017 in “Endocrine”

Male pattern baldness involves genetics, hormones, and needs better treatments.

research Hair Loss And Regeneration Performed On Animal Models

17 citations , July 2016 in “Medicine and Pharmacy Reports”

Animal models are crucial for learning about hair loss and finding treatments.

research Drug Discovery for Alopecia: Gone Today, Hair Tomorrow

70 citations , February 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery”

Topical drugs and near-infrared light therapy show potential for treating alopecia.

research Topical Minoxidil Fortified with Finasteride: Maintenance of Hair Density After Replacing Oral Finasteride

32 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

Minoxidil and finasteride combo maintains hair density effectively.

research Cause of Androgenic Alopecia

17 citations , October 2013 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

Male pattern baldness may be caused by scalp pressure on hair follicles, which increases with age and leads to a cycle of hair loss. This process is not directly determined by genes.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Overview, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

11 citations , September 2013 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

Various treatments exist for hair loss, but more research is needed for better options.

research Genetic Basis of Alopecia Areata

40 citations , January 2013 in “Dermatologic clinics”

More research is needed to understand the genetic causes of Alopecia areata to develop better treatments.

research Molecular Basis of Androgenetic Alopecia: From Androgen to Paracrine Mediators Through Dermal Papilla

122 citations , January 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Male pattern baldness involves hormones and cell signals affecting hair growth.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

100 citations , May 2010 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

Hair loss in men treated best with early medication or transplant, new treatments researched.

research Male Pattern Baldness: Current Treatments, Future Prospects

40 citations , September 2008 in “Drug Discovery Today”

Current treatments for male pattern baldness include minoxidil and finasteride, with new options being developed.

research Management of Hair Loss

74 citations , April 2005 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Minoxidil and finasteride are effective for male hair loss, minoxidil for female hair loss, and various treatments like corticosteroids work for alopecia areata; treatment should be tailored to the individual.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

139 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.