Fortnightly Review: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

September 1998 in “ BMJ ”

Rodney Sinclair

male pattern androgenetic alopecia genetics hormones topical minoxidil oral finasteride hair transplantation surgery inhibitors gene therapy androgenic alopecia Rogaine Propecia hair transplant

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Hair Transplant →

Hair transplantation moves DHT-resistant follicles from a donor area (back and sides of the scalp) into thinning or bald areas. The transplanted hair is generally permanent, though surrounding native hair can keep thinning.

Studysummary This article reviews the pathogenesis, genetic basis, and recent treatment breakthroughs for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on bmj.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

169 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found no significant genetic association between the 5α-reductase enzyme genes and male pattern baldness, suggesting a polygenic etiology rather than simple inheritance.

research Androgen Metabolism as It Affects Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

143 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.

research The 5 Alpha-Reductase System and Its Inhibitors

124 citations , January 1996 in “Dermatology”

This article reviews the biochemical properties of 5 alpha-reductase isoforms and highlights the limited dermatological use of inhibitors like finasteride, especially for type 1 isozyme-targeting agents, while suggesting further clinical exploration.

research Androgens and Human Hair Growth

157 citations , April 1994 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Androgens can cause hair growth in some areas and hair loss on the scalp.

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations , May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study concluded that horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens provide more diagnostic information for male pattern androgenetic alopecia than vertical sections and can predict hair regrowth potential following topical minoxidil therapy.

research The Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

192 citations , June 1992 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.

research Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells From Androgen-Dependent Human Hair Follicles Contain More Androgen Receptors Than Those From Non-Balding Areas Of Scalp

124 citations , April 1992 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology”

This study observed that cells from androgen-sensitive areas like the beard and scrotum showed higher androgen receptor levels compared to those from non-balding scalp areas, supporting the role of dermal papilla in follicle growth responses to androgens.

research Natural Progression of Male Pattern Baldness in Young Men

71 citations , May 1991 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Young men with male pattern baldness lose hair density over time without treatment.

research The Comparative Histopathology of Male-Pattern Baldness and Senescent Baldness

143 citations , October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

This review discusses the histopathology of male-pattern baldness and highlights ongoing disputes over several aspects, including sebaceous gland size and follicle loss, reporting no new clinical findings.

research Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness: Effects of Discontinuation of Treatment

57 citations , July 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, minoxidil treatment was associated with an increase in nonvellus scalp hairs, but this effect was not sustained once the treatment was stopped.

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

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

Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.

research Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia in the Male

1 citations , April 1985 in “PubMed”

A man showed signs of female pattern hair loss, which is unusual according to traditional understanding of male baldness.

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

203 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study presents evidence suggesting that androgenetic alopecia is most likely inherited through a polygenic model, challenging the traditional view that it is caused by a simple Mendelian autosomal dominant gene.