Role of Androgens in Female-Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia, Either Alone or Associated with Other Symptoms of Hyperandrogenism

December 2000 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Patrick Vexiau, C Chaspoux, Philippe Boudou, Jean Fiet, Y. Abramovici, M. Rosario Rueda, N. Hardy, Pascal Reygagne

androgens female-pattern androgenetic alopecia AGA hyperandrogenism anti-androgenic drugs hormonal treatments female-pattern hair loss anti-androgens

TLDR Androgens significantly affect female hair loss, and hormonal treatments may help.

This document compiles various studies and articles that explore the role of androgens in female-pattern androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and its association with other symptoms of hyperandrogenism. The studies suggest that androgens play a significant role in the development of AGA, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Hormonal treatments, such as anti-androgenic drugs, may be effective in treating AGA in women with hyperandrogenism. The severity of AGA is linked to androgen levels, either alone or with other symptoms of hyperandrogenism. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations, September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Female Androgenic Alopecia

6 citations, May 1994 in “Hair transplant forum international”

Women can also experience hair loss due to hormone changes.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations, August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research Etiology and Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia

9 citations, October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Hair loss is caused by genetics and hormones, diagnosed through examination and biopsy, and treated with medications or surgery.

research Patterned Androgenic Alopecia in Women

130 citations, May 1988 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

"Male-pattern" hair loss is common in women, especially after menopause, and doesn't always mean there's a problem with hormone balance.

research Common Baldness in Women

9 citations, December 1981 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

The document concludes that early diagnosis is key for treating common baldness in women, but reassurance is often the best approach as hair thinning can be a normal part of aging.

research Treatment of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia with Cyproterone Acetate

39 citations, January 1980 in “Dermatology”

Cyproterone acetate was effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and alopecia with few side effects.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

in Research/Science 235 upvotes 7 months ago

Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

community Dutasteride SAVES your hair follicles: MAJOR BS on people who say it destroyed their hair permanently.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 158 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months 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 57% increased chance of pattern hair loss independently associated with the consumption of sugary beverages in men (p<0.001) Pt 2

in Research/Science 487 upvotes 3 months ago

Sugary beverages increase the risk of pattern hair loss in men by 57%. Treatments discussed include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Homemade topical spironolactone

in Research/Science 26 upvotes 2 years ago

The potential effectiveness of homemade topical spironolactone in treating hair loss, with studies suggesting it is more effective than finasteride and even minoxidil when used as monotherapy. The conversation also mentions that other anti-androgens are being developed which may soon hit the market.

community GT20029 China Phase II Trial For AGA Reached Primary Endpoint

in Research/Science 136 upvotes 7 months ago

The GT20029 tincture, a topical androgen receptor degrader, showed significant hair growth and good safety in a China Phase II trial for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with the 1% dose twice weekly identified as optimal. The company plans to initiate Phase III trials in China and Phase II in the U.S., and the treatment also shows promise for acne.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

32 citations, January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.

research The Influence of Androgens on Insulin Resistance

135 citations, March 1984 in “Fertility and sterility”

Higher levels of unbound testosterone are linked to increased insulin resistance, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.