Therapeutic Approach to Androgenetic Alopecia

November 1999 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ”

Marni C. Wiseman, Jerry Shapiro

androgenetic alopecia miniaturization hair follicles testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT 5α-reductase hormone response modifiers finasteride cyproterone acetate spironolactone minoxidil hair transplant surgery regrowth psychosocial issues AGA Propecia Rogaine hair transplant

TLDR Treatments for hair loss include hormone modifiers, minoxidil, and hair transplant surgery.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition that causes hair loss in both men and women. The condition is caused by a miniaturization of genetically programmed hair follicles driven by an increased uptake, metabolism, and conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5α-reductase. The document discusses the therapeutic approach to AGA in men and women, including the use of hormone response modifiers like finasteride, cyproterone acetate, and spironolactone. Minoxidil is also discussed as a successful treatment for AGA in both men and women. Hair transplant surgery is an effective treatment option for AGA. The document emphasizes the importance of managing patient expectations for regrowth and addressing psychosocial issues before treatment.

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