Medical Management Options for Hair Loss
July 2011
in “
Springer eBooks
”
androgenetic alopecia topical minoxidil oral finasteride antiandrogen receptor antagonists spironolactone cyproterone acetate dutasteride VEGF scalp hygiene products copper peptides laser therapy systemic antiandrogens genetic targeting topical liposomes DNA androgen receptor expression AGA Rogaine Propecia
TLDR The document concluded that FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are effective for hair loss, while the effectiveness of natural remedies and other non-approved treatments is not well-supported by evidence.
In 2011, the document outlined medical management options for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), emphasizing FDA-approved treatments like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Minoxidil was reported to be more effective in preserving hair, with 10% of men seeing regrowth and 30% experiencing stabilization, while finasteride showed that 83% of patients had stabilized hair counts after 1 year, with 66% regrowing some hair by the second year. Other treatments mentioned included antiandrogen receptor antagonists like spironolactone and cyproterone acetate for female patients, and experimental therapies such as dutasteride and VEGF. The document also discussed natural remedies and adjunctive therapies, noting a lack of strong scientific evidence for their effectiveness. It reviewed the limited efficacy of scalp hygiene products and other treatments like copper peptides and laser therapy, which had not been proven effective. The future of AGA treatment was seen in systemic antiandrogens and genetic targeting, with ongoing research into topical liposomes bearing DNA to inhibit androgen receptor expression. The document stressed the importance of evidence-based treatments and the avoidance of unproven products.
