Health-Related Quality of Life in Men and Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Using Low-Intensity Light Therapy

June 2020

Leonardo de Medeiros Quirino

Low-Level Light Therapy LLLT androgenetic alopecia AGA Skindex-29 health-related quality of life HRQoL low-level laser therapy hair loss quality of life

TLDR Low-Level Light Therapy improves quality of life more for women than men with hair loss.

The study evaluated the impact of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 36 men and 35 women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Participants completed the Skindex-29 questionnaire before and after 24 LLLT sessions. Results showed that women experienced significant improvements in HRQoL, particularly in emotional, psychosocial, and symptom domains, while men showed moderate improvements, especially in emotional aspects. LLLT was associated with enhanced HRQoL, with a more pronounced effect on women, highlighting its potential as a beneficial treatment for AGA due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and lack of side effects.

View this study on repositorio.ufu.br →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

22 / 22 results

research Quality of Life with Alopecia Areata Versus Androgenetic Alopecia Assessed Using Hair Specific Skindex-29

13 citations , January 2018 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia affect quality of life similarly.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

145 citations , November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.

research A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss

32 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The evidence for using Low-Level Laser Therapy for hair loss is limited and more thorough research is needed.

research Multi-Therapies in Androgenetic Alopecia: Review and Clinical Experiences

55 citations , July 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Multiple treatments work best for hair loss.

research Hunting the Genes in Male-Pattern Alopecia: How Important Are They, How Close Are We and What Will They Tell Us?

46 citations , February 2016 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Genes play a significant role in male-pattern baldness, and understanding them could lead to new treatments and insights into related health issues.

research 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia

29 citations , September 2014 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat hair loss in men and women, but may cause side effects like low libido and depression.

research Potential Targets in the Discovery of New Hair Growth Promoters for Androgenic Alopecia

59 citations , May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

The document concludes that targeting 5α-reductase, the androgen receptor, and hair growth genes, along with using compounds with anti-androgenic properties, could lead to more effective hair loss treatments.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research Effect of Hairpieces on Perceived Quality of Life in Female Pattern Hair Loss Patients: Questionnaire Based Study

3 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Hairpieces improve quality of life for women with hair loss.

research Quality of Life in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss and the Impact of Topical Minoxidil Treatment

22 citations , May 2013 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine”

Minoxidil improves quality of life for women with hair loss.

research New Investigational Drugs for Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , April 2013 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

Possible new treatments for common hair loss include drugs, stem cells, and improved transplants.

research Clinical Severity Does Not Reliably Predict Quality of Life in Women With Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, or Androgenic Alopecia

86 citations , May 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

How bad a woman's hair loss is doesn't always match how it affects her happiness and daily life.

research S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women, and Adolescents

151 citations , August 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines for diagnosing common hair loss include detailed history, clinical examination, and various diagnostic techniques.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy can diagnose female hair loss with high accuracy by looking for specific patterns in hair and scalp appearance.

research Psychological Effect, Pathophysiology, and Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

112 citations , October 2005 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings”

Minoxidil and finasteride can slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth, but won't restore all lost hair or reverse complete baldness.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.

research Incidence of Female Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Alopecia)

6 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Female pattern alopecia is common, starts in late 20s, and is not androgen dependent.

research Incidence of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

9 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Hair loss in women often starts in their late 20s and peaks after 50, and it's different from male hair loss.

research The Psychosocial Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Research Literature

180 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.

research Effects of Self-Perceived Hair Loss in a Community Sample of Men

74 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Men who think they are losing hair feel worse about themselves, especially if they are younger.

research Quality of Life Issues in Male Pattern Hair Loss

25 citations , January 1998 in “Dermatology”

Male pattern hair loss negatively affects quality of life, but drug treatments can help.

research Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects

222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Evidenced Based Meta-Analyses and Systemic Reviews of Androgenic Alopecia and Treatments

in Research/Science 14 upvotes 5 years ago

Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 35 upvotes 1 year ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Androgenetic alopecia - I want your honest opinion

in Female 35 upvotes 3 years ago

A female user's diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, and the advice shared in response which suggests taking spironolactone and minoxidil together to prevent hair loss.

community Anyone here going the “natural” route?

in Scalp Massage 48 upvotes 3 years ago

People discussing their experiences with natural treatments for hair loss, such as essential oils, deep scalp massages, anti-inflammatory measures, and supplements. Most of the replies suggest that these treatments are not effective and recommend medication such as minoxidil or finasteride instead.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Impact of Photobiomodulation on the Quality of Life of Men and Women With Androgenetic Alopecia

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.