TLDR Male hormones can cause hair loss, but treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride can help, and targeting TGF-B1 could be a future solution.
The 2004 study "Pathomechanism of androgenetic alopecia and new treatment" investigated the role of the male hormone, androgen, in hair loss. The study found that dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in the beard and frontal scalp, which are targeted by androgen, express androgen receptor and type II 5α-reductase mRNA. These DPCs were found to produce androgen-dependent growth factors, including Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). However, androgen was also found to inhibit the growth of keratinocytes co-cultured with DPCs from the human balding frontal scalp. The study also mentioned the use of Minoxidil and Finasteride, which were new treatments in Japan at the time, and suggested that TGF-B1 could be a target for future treatments.
102 citations
,
July 2020 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly affect hair growth and structure.
January 2014 in “American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences” Minoxidil, originally a blood pressure medication, is effective in treating hair loss in men and women, with different strengths recommended for each.
122 citations
,
January 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Male pattern baldness involves hormones and cell signals affecting hair growth.
January 2010 in “International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology” 11 citations
,
January 2010 in “Springer eBooks” 
2 citations
,
May 2008 in “Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine” The book "Hair Follicle Regeneration" discusses the potential of regenerating human hair follicles or activating dormant ones as a possible cure for baldness, and the promising role of new technologies like 3D printing in this field.
2 citations
,
January 2004 in “Enshou saisei” Male pattern baldness is caused by certain cells in hair follicles and could potentially be treated by targeting a specific growth factor, TGF-β1.
174 citations
,
November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine” Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.
229 citations
,
August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology” AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
