Pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia
May 2004
in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
TLDR Male pattern baldness involves three mechanisms and finasteride can help reverse it.
This 2004 scientific paper discusses the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness. The paper proposes three mechanisms that contribute to AGA and suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the condition. The paper also introduces the concept of "kenogen," a resting phase of the hair follicle that may be a key factor in the development of AGA. The paper concludes that finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, has been shown to reverse hair miniaturization in men with AGA.
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Cited in this study
research Possible mechanisms of miniaturization during androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss
Hair loss occurs due to fewer papillary cells, smaller follicles, and shorter growth phases.
research Teloptosis, a Turning Point in Hair Shedding Biorhythms
Teloptosis is a key point in hair loss that could help in creating prevention-focused hair care strategies.
research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women
Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.
research What controls hair follicle cycling?
The control system for hair growth cycles is not well understood and needs more research.
research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
research CHRONIC TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.
research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients With Male Pattern Baldness
research TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM: AN ETIOPATHOGENETIC THEORY
The paper suggests that telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss, may be a long-lasting condition triggered by stress or illness in people whose hair growth is unusually synchronized.
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research Effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on serum gonadotropins in normal men.
Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.