Status of Medical Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

October 1993 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

B A Marvin Sasson, Jerome L. Shupack, Matthew J. Stiller

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil topical minoxidil hair regrowth topical corticosteroids hair transplantation clinical trials experimental treatments Rogaine

Studysummary Minoxidil effectively promotes hair regrowth in younger patients with small balding areas. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The 1993 document provides an overview of medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia, with a specific emphasis on minoxidil and its effectiveness as a hair growth agent based on clinical trials. Topical minoxidil was found to be effective in promoting hair regrowth in younger patients with smaller balding areas, and maintaining regrowth in many patients in long-term studies. The document also discusses potential future advancements in the field, including experimental treatments and a multi-center study. Other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids and hair transplantation, are also discussed. However, more research is needed to improve therapies despite some treatments being effective.

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Research cited in this study

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research Hair Follicle Biology and Topical Minoxidil: Possible Mechanisms of Action

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Taking finasteride pills and using minoxidil lotion together can help grow hair.

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In this study, viprostol was not effective in promoting hair growth for men with androgenetic alopecia over a 24-week period.

research The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field with Specific Reference to Hair Electrotrichogenesis

27 citations , July 1990 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this controlled study, a pulsed electrical field treatment significantly increased hair regrowth compared to baseline and the control group over 36 weeks, without observed side effects.

research Five-Year Follow-Up of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Treated with Topical Minoxidil

70 citations , April 1990 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.

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research Topical Cyclosporine in Male Pattern Alopecia

33 citations , February 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical cyclosporine led to significant hair growth in some men with male pattern baldness.

research Spironolactone Is an Effective and Well-Tolerated Systemic Antiandrogen Therapy for Hirsute Women

78 citations , May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that in hirsute women, daily treatment with 200 mg spironolactone significantly reduced hair growth rates and hair shaft diameters on various body areas over 12 months.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

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research Androgenetic Alopecia Treated With Topical Minoxidil

32 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Using minoxidil on balding men's scalps can increase hair growth, according to a 12-month study.

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that both 2% and 3% topical minoxidil were more effective than placebo in promoting hair growth for men with male pattern baldness over 12 months.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Treatment Results with Topical Minoxidil

39 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.

research Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia With Cimetidine

19 citations , March 1987 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

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research Action of Topical Minoxidil in the Bald Stump-Tailed Macaque

78 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.

research Use of Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness

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Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.

research Long-Term Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness

41 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that 2% minoxidil solution was at least as effective as 3% for increasing hair growth and stabilizing bald areas in men with male pattern baldness.

research Long-Term Follow-Up of Men with Male Pattern Baldness Treated with Topical Minoxidil

51 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that twice-daily application of 3% topical minoxidil maintained a higher nonvellus hair count compared to once-daily application over 2 years and 9 months in men with male pattern baldness.

research Dose-Response Study of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Alopecia

24 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 1% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions resulted in clinically noticeable hair growth compared to lower doses or placebo in men with male pattern baldness.

research Topical Minoxidil: A Survey of Use and Complications

3 citations , January 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This survey found that over 70% of dermatologists in the sample had prescribed topical minoxidil for hair loss, with low reported complications beyond local irritation.

research Topical Tretinoin for Hair Growth Promotion

73 citations , October 1986 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a combination of topical tretinoin and 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of subjects with androgenetic alopecia over one year.

research Topical Minoxidil Useful in 18% of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Study of 430 Cases

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research Cyclic Dynamics of Hair Follicles and the Effect of Minoxidil on the Bald Scalps of Stumptailed Macaques

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Minoxidil helps hair growth, but results vary.

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101 citations , January 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

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research The Inheritance Of Common Baldness: To Be Or Not To Be?

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Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.

research Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

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research Minoxidil for Severe Hypertension After Failure of Other Hypotensive Drugs

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