Possible Mechanisms of Miniaturization During Androgenetic Alopecia or Pattern Hair Loss

September 2001 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

David A. Whiting

androgenetic alopecia pattern hair loss miniaturization dermal papilla cells anagen androgens genetics hair follicles finasteride female pattern hair loss Propecia

TLDR Hair loss occurs due to fewer papillary cells, smaller follicles, and shorter growth phases.

This document explores the mechanisms behind miniaturization during androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss, which is caused by a decrease in dermal papilla cells. The paper proposes that a reduction in papillary cell numbers leads to smaller follicles with a reduced duration of anagen. The role of androgens, genetics, and hair follicles are discussed, but more research is needed to fully comprehend these mechanisms. The document also mentions the use of finasteride in treating androgenetic alopecia in men and the prevalence of female pattern hair loss.

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Hair loss occurs due to fewer papillary cells, smaller follicles, and shorter growth phases.