Treatment FAQ

what is androgenic alopecia treatment

by Marilyne Schmitt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are the only two treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) for androgenetic alopecia in men. Both of these medications prevent further hair loss but are only able to partially reverse the baldness. Both require continuous use to maintain the effect.Feb 29, 2016

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How to treat androgenetic alopecia?

Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

  • Pathophysiology. AGA is the result of genetic predisposition; however, evidence shows that the cause is androgen related.
  • 5AR Inhibitors. ...
  • Minoxidil. ...
  • Ketaconazole, Spironolactone, and Prostaglandin F 2 Analogues. ...
  • Low-level Laser Therapy. ...
  • Microneedling and Hair Transplantation. ...
  • Emerging Therapies. ...
  • Conclusion. ...

Can androgenic alopecia be reversed?

The Prognosis: This type of hair loss unfortunately can’t be reversed. The Treatment Plan: Minoxidil can help undamaged hair grow and prevent further scarring. In this rare form of alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, hair follicles on the scalp are destroyed by inflammation and replaced with scar tissue.

What are the signs and symptoms of androgenetic alopecia?

Signs of androgenetic alopecia include the following:

  • Gradual onset
  • Increased hair shedding
  • Transition in the involved areas from large, thick, pigmented terminal hairs to thinner, shorter, indeterminate hairs and finally to short, wispy, nonpigmented vellus hairs
  • End result can be an area of total denudation; this area varies from patient to patient and is usually most marked at the vertex

When does androgenetic alopecia stabilize?

Androgenic alopecia affects about 50 million men in the United States. ... “It works 83% of the time to stabilize progression of hair loss, and it works 60% of the time to actually regrow hair. ...

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What is the best treatment for androgenetic alopecia?

There are several therapies available for the treatment of this condition, with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and minoxidil most commonly used. Other current treatment options include laser therapy, scalp microneedling, hair mesotherapy, and hair transplantation.

Is it possible to treat androgenic alopecia?

There are currently two FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for androgenic alopecia: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil topical solution was the first of the FDA-approved treatments for androgenic alopecia to be placed on the market.

Can hair grow back with androgenetic alopecia?

If you're living with androgenetic alopecia, you may experience regrowth of hair, but the rate of regrowth is different from individual to individual. Although androgenetic alopecia cannot be prevented, there are many hair loss treatments available to slow down the process of hair loss or to restore hair permanently.

What triggers androgenic alopecia?

Androgenic alopecia can be caused by a variety of factors tied to the actions of hormones, including some ovarian cysts, taking high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause.

Is androgenic alopecia permanent?

Is Androgenetic Alopecia permanent? The hair follicles affected by Androgenetic Alopecia are permanently damaged. There are treatments which can help to delay the process, but hairs that have been lost will not grow back.

Is minoxidil good for androgenetic alopecia?

To date, topical minoxidil is the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia and is used as an off-label treatment for other hair loss conditions. Despite its widespread application, the exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is still not fully understood.

Does androgenic alopecia get worse?

Androgenetic alopecia is a progressive disease that tends to worsen with time. Medical treatments include 2% topical minoxidil in women and 5% topical minoxidil and/or oral finasteride, 1 mg/day, in men.

Is androgenic alopecia caused by stress?

Most male hair loss results from androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness — a form of hair loss triggered by a genetic sensitivity to DHT. However, it's also possible for a range of other factors to cause and contribute to hair loss. One of these factors is emotional stress.

How long does androgenetic alopecia last?

The condition is sometimes called androgenetic alopecia. It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald, but can be quicker. Typically, at first the hair begins to thin (recede) at the sides (temples). At the same time, the hair usually becomes thin on the top of the head.

What does androgenic alopecia look like?

Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness. Hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic "M" shape.

Can vitamin D cause androgenic alopecia?

The role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been well established and extensively studied in the hair cycle. Its deficiency is also closely linked to several types of alopecia, including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Will I go bald with androgenetic alopecia?

In women, androgenetic alopecia begins with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss radiating from the top of the head. A woman's hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.

How does androgenetic alopecia work?

Most treatments for androgenetic alopecia work by reducing your DHT levels or stimulating hair growth directly. Androgenetic alopecia is treatable. Right now, several medications are available to slow down, stop or reverse this form of hair loss, including FDA-approved treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil.

When does alopecia occur?

Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss that can occur in your 20s, 30s, 40s or later in your life.

What is the most common form of hair loss?

The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. It’s an issue that can affect men and women, although it’s far more common in men. When androgenetic alopecia affects men, it’s referred to as male pattern baldness. Symptoms may include a receding hairline, as well as hair loss that affects your crown ...

What is the best treatment for hair loss?

Finasteride. Finasteride is an oral medication that reduces your body’s production of DHT, the hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia. By blocking DHT, it helps to slow down or stop the DHT-related damage to your hair follicles that causes hair loss.

What is pattern hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, is a form of hair loss that’s caused by a mix of genetic and hormonal factors. If you have androgenetic alopecia, you may notice your hairline receding and developing an “M” shape. You may also develop thinning or total hair loss on your scalp, particularly at your crown.

What is the role of DHT in male development?

DHT plays an important role in developing your male features before birth and during adolescence, such as your external genitals, facial hair and prostate gland. However, as you get older, the link between DHT and male hair loss strengthens.

Is androgenetic alopecia inherited?

Contrary to popular belief, although research shows that androgenetic alopecia tends to cluster in families, there’s no evidence that androgenetic alopecia is inherited from your mother’s father or any other specific family member.

What shampoo is good for alopecia?

One shampoo that many women have had success with for treating androgenetic alopecia Nizoral 2% shampoo. Its main active ingredient is ketoconazole. Its use is to treat sink infections due to yeast and fungus (such as dandruff, and seborrhoeic dermatitis). For skin infections come in the form of a cream, pill, and shampoo. People with hair loss tend to use it as a shampoo.

What is the FDA approved drug for baldness?

Minoxidil is the only drug which with FDA-approval to treat female pattern baldness. It is available in 2 forms: 2% for women, and 5% for men (although the 5% formula received approval for women by the FDA). However, some dermatologists will prescribe 5% for women under supervision.

What is the active ingredient in Rogaine?

It will take time to move your hair follicles from the telogen phase to the anagen, or growth phase. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine (Regain the UK). Minoxidil is also the active ingredient in many other brands: Amexidil. Avacor Physician’s Formulation.

Why does my hair look thinner?

Overall your hair may look thinner because you will be shedding the old hairs in the telogen or resting phase, and it will take time for the new, thicker hairs in the anagen phase to grow.

How to get PRP?

To get PRP, blood is drawn from a patient and placed in a centrifuge, concentrating the platelets, which increases the number of growth factors by a factor of 5 to 10. That concentrated plasma is then injected into the scalp with a micro-needle.

Is Nizoral good for hair loss?

People with hair loss tend to use it as a shampoo. The main benefit of Nizoral for women with thinning hair is to counter the effects of dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Nizoral is available in a 2% as well as a 1% formula (which is available over-the-counter).

Is minoxidil good for hair growth?

Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure. Patients found that they were having the side effect of hair growth. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication the user applies directly to the scalp. It is only effective for women suffering from genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

What is the FDA approved drug for androgenetic alopecia?

Only two drugs currently have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved indications for treatment of androgenetic alopecia: minoxidil and finasteride.

Why is topical balding treatment necessary?

Continuing topical treatment with the drug is necessary indefinitely because discontinuation of treatment produces a rapid reversion to the pretreatment balding pattern. Patients who respond best to this drug are those who have a recent onset of androgenetic alopecia and small areas of hair loss.

Does telogen effluvium help with hair loss?

They concluded that this medication could be useful for stimulating hair follicle activity and treating hair loss. [ 40] Androgenetic alopecia is very common; therefore, not surprisingly, it may accompany other forms of hair loss. Cases of telogen effluvium often occur in patients with underlying androgenetic alopecia.

Is botulinum toxin good for alopecia?

A study by Singh et al suggested that botulinum toxin may be a viable treatment for androgenetic alopecia in male s, since intramuscular infection of the drug into the scalp results in muscle relaxation and, therefore, increased blood flow.

Does minoxidil cause chorioretinopathy?

Central chorioretinopathy has been associated with the use of minoxidil 2% for andro genetic alopecia. A 37-year-old man developed this adverse effect consisting of a positive elative scotoma, metamorphopsia, and impaired dark adaptation of the right eye after 8 months use of minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia.

Is minoxidil good for women?

In general, women respond better to topical minoxidil than men. The increase in effectiveness of the 5% solution was not evident for women in the FDA-controlled studies. Subsequent studies have shown at best a modest advantage to the higher concentration in women.

Is spironolactone FDA approved?

Some drugs are not approved by the FDA but are potentially helpful medications. [ 35] . In women with androgenetic alopecia, especially those with a component of hyperandrogenism, drugs that act as androgen suppressants or antagonists (eg, spironolactone, oral contraceptives) may be beneficial.

What causes androgenetic alopecia?

A variety of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in causing androgenetic a lopecia. Although researchers are studying risk factors that may contribute to this condition, most of these factors remain unknown. Researchers have determined that this form of hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, ...

Why is androgenetic alopecia unclear?

The inheritance pattern of androgenetic alopecia is unclear because many genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. This condition tends to cluster in families, however, and having a close relative with patterned hair loss appears to be a risk factor for developing the condition.

Why is the inheritance pattern of androgenetic alopecia unclear?

Expand Section. The inheritance pattern of androgenetic alopecia is unclear because many genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. This condition tends to cluster in families, however, and having a close relative with patterned hair loss appears to be a risk factor for developing the condition.

How many men have hair loss?

Expand Section. Androgenetic alopecia is a frequent cause of hair loss in both men and women. This form of hair loss affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. Androgenetic alopecia can start as early as a person's teens and risk increases with age; more than 50 percent of men over age 50 have some degree ...

What causes hair to grow shorter?

Increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner strands of hair. Additionally, there is a delay in the growth of new hair to replace strands that are shed.

Does alopecia cause baldness?

Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness. Androgenetic alopecia in men has been associated with several other medical conditions including coronary heart disease and enlargement of the prostate. Additionally, prostate cancer, disorders of insulin resistance (such as diabetes and obesity), and high blood pressure ( hypertension) ...

Does hairline recede?

The pattern of hair loss in women differs from male-pattern baldness. In women, the hair becomes thinner all over the head, and the hairline does not recede.

How to treat androgenic alopecia?

Reducing your intake of processed foods and increasing some key vitamins — particularly vitamin A, vitamin D and biotin (like the stuff found in our Biotin Gummy Multivitamins) — can also help. Oral medications like finasteride fight the effects of androgenic alopecia by balancing the levels of a hormone called DHT .

Is hair loss genetic?

Whether your hair loss is genetically predisposed or the result of a condition, your best bet at maintaining and re-growing hair is to have support. A healthcare professional will be able to help you determine the cause of your particular hair loss, and prescribe one or more treatments that will work for you.

Does minoxidil help hair growth?

Women should instead consider antiandrogens like spironolactone or cyproterone acetate. Topical minoxidil might be an option— it increases blood flow to hair follicles, which can encourage hair growth. A study using minoxidil over a 48 week period showed up to 18 percent increases in hair growth (but this was in men).

Is hair loss a pattern?

For one, it’s commonly referred to as female pattern hair loss. The hair loss pattern in women is different than it is in men. Typically women’s hair thins all over, and the hairline does not recede—also, androgenic alopecia rarely leads to total baldness. Though more common in men, women can experience it too, ...

Is alopecia male or female?

Androgenic alopecia is a particular type of hair loss caused by hormonal fluctuations. It’s often erroneously referred to as male pattern baldness, (it affects both men and women). But there are some key differences when it comes to women. For one, it’s commonly referred to as female pattern hair loss.

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Causes

  • AGA is the result of genetic predisposition; however, evidence shows that the cause is androgen related. DHT is the primary androgen involved in AGA, with DHT concentrations being higher in men with AGA.2 Circulating testosterone is converted to DHT by 5AR.
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Mechanism

  • There are three types of alpha reductase receptor isoenzymes, and type I and type II are significant in the treatment of AGA. Type I is located in the skin, including the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, and type II is located in the inner root sheath of hair follicles in the scalp, face, chest, genitals, and prostate gland.3 The hair-growth cycle is also affected in AGA. Hair in the tel…
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Mechanism of action

  • Finasteride is a 5AR inhibitor that is approved by the FDA for androgenetic alopecia. The drug works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT by blocking type II 5AR. Dosing, side effects, and counseling points are found in TABLE 1.4 Due to unsatisfactory side effects with oral finasteride, studies have been conducted comparing finasteride 0.25% and 0.5% topical solutio…
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Medical uses

  • Dutasteride is also used off-label for treatment of AGA and is an inhibitor of both type I and type II 5AR. In addition, dutasteride is a more potent inhibitor of both of these isoenzymes compared with finasteride.5 A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, double-dummy, parallel-group study was conducted over 29 weeks in 917 men aged 20 to 50 years with AGA. The men were randomi…
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Pharmacology

  • Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that has antiandrogenic properties; it blocks androgen receptors and decreases testosterone levels. Most of the clinical data using 50 to 200 mg/day of spironolactone have been in women with AGA, and the results have been variable.1
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Research

  • Patients using the prostaglandin F2 analogue latanoprost to treat glaucoma experienced the side effect of elongation of eyelashes and eyebrows; as a result, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 16 men using lantanoprost 0.1% daily versus placebo to evaluate scalp hair growth. The 24-week study resulted in a significant increase in hair density from basel…
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Uses

  • Microneedling has gained popularity and has been found to be beneficial in stimulating hair regrowth in alopecia. It was previously used for cosmetic purposes and is now used to improve topical drug delivery. Microneedling uses multiple fine needles, generally attached to a roller, to create tiny punctures in the skin that stimulate neovascularization, release growth factors, and p…
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Results

  • A 12-week study was conducted to compare weekly microneedling in conjunction with minoxidil 5% solution with minoxidil 5% solution alone. Minoxidil was applied twice daily in both cohorts of 50 men each. In the microneedling group, minoxidil was applied 24 hours after the microneedling session since the session produced mild erythema in the area in which it was performed. One o…
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Interactions

  • Results from other studies are varied; however, it appears that microneedling may increase penetration of topical drugs into the scalp, thereby promoting effectiveness.10 This may be something for providers to consider in those patients in whom traditional topical therapy has been ineffective.
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Literature

  • 1. Kelly Y, Blanco A, Tosti A. Androgenetic alopecia: an update of treatment options. Drugs. 2016;76:1349-1364.2. Hogan DJ, Chamberlain M. Male pattern baldness. South Med J. 2000;93(7):657-662.3. Hirshburg JM, Kelsey PA, Therrien CA, et al. Adverse effects and safety of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride): a systematic review. J Clin Aesth Dermat…
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