Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata
January 2001
in “Drugs”

TLDR
Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.
This 22-year-old document discusses the causes and treatments for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are established treatments for androgenetic alopecia, while symptomatic treatment is possible for alopecia areata. The article also mentions the development of novel research tools for hair regrowth research and potential future treatment options. Various treatments for both types of alopecia are discussed, including experimental models, gene therapy, and vesicular systems to enhance drug delivery. Further clinical work is required for many of these treatments.
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Cited in this study

research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

research Minoxidil upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human hair dermal papilla cells
Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.
research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic 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
People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
research Topical liposome delivery of molecules to hair follicles in mice

research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by activating PGHS-1.

research Improvement in Androgenetic Alopecia (Stage V) Using Topical Minoxidil in a Retinoid Vehicle and Oral Finasteride
Combination therapy improves hair growth in advanced hair loss.

research The Penetration Enhancer SEPA<sup>TM</sup> Augments Stimulation of Scalp Hair Growth by Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque
SEPA™ enhances the effectiveness of minoxidil in stimulating hair growth, working faster and better than Rogaine® TS, with no significant side effects.

research The effects of finasteride (Proscar) on hair growth, hair cycle stage, and serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in adult male and female stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides).
Finasteride increases hair growth, prolongs hair cycle, and lowers dihydrotestosterone levels.

research The effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on scalp skin testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations in patients with male pattern baldness.
Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels, potentially treating male pattern baldness.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female
2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.

research Hair growth effects of oral administration of finasteride, a steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, alone and in combination with topical minoxidil in the balding stumptail macaque.
Finasteride and minoxidil together promote hair growth better than either alone.
research Treatment-resistant alopecia areata. Response to combination therapy with minoxidil plus anthralin
Using minoxidil and anthralin together can improve hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata patients who didn't respond to individual treatments.

research Relationship Between Contact Time of Applied Dose and Percutaneous Absorption of Minoxidil From a Topical Solution
Longer contact time increases minoxidil absorption, but doesn't affect metabolism.

research Five-year follow-up of men with androgenetic alopecia treated with topical minoxidil
Minoxidil treatment increased hair growth for up to 5 years, requiring twice daily application.

research Dose-response study of topical minoxidil in male pattern alopecia
Minoxidil 1% and 2% best promote hair growth and may prevent hair loss.

research Topical minoxidil solution (1% and 5%) in the treatment of alopecia areata
Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Long-term follow-up of men with male pattern baldness treated with topical minoxidil
Minoxidil keeps most hair growth from first year and twice-daily use is better with few side effects.

research Safety and efficacy of topical minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia
Minoxidil helps hair growth and prevents hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It's safe and effective.

research Topical minoxidil in early male pattern baldness
Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
research Topical minoxidil therapy in hereditary androgenetic alopecia
Minoxidil applied twice daily can help regrow hair in some people with hereditary baldness, with no serious side effects.
research Testosterone metabolism in the skin. A review of its function in androgenetic alopecia, acne vulgaris, and idiopathic hirsutism including recent studies with antiandrogens
Testosterone affects hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth, and antiandrogens can help treat these conditions.
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research Efficacy of systemic minoxidil and tofacitinib combination in treatment‐resistant alopecia universalis
Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
research Pharmacological therapeutics in androgenetic alopecia

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata
Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss; more research needed for other options.