Androgenetic alopecia

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007 Jun;36(2):379-98. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.03.004.

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss, affects approximately 50% of the male population. AGA is an androgen-related condition in genetically predisposed individuals. There is no treatment to completely reverse AGA in advanced stages, but with medical treatment (eg, finasteride, minoxidil, or a combination of both), the progression can be arrested and partly reversed in the majority of patients who have mild to moderate AGA. Combination with hair restoration surgery leads to best results in suitable candidates. Physicians who specialize in male health issues should be familiar with this common condition and all the available approved treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / diagnosis
  • Alopecia / epidemiology
  • Alopecia / etiology*
  • Alopecia / therapy
  • Androgens / physiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Finasteride / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Minoxidil / therapeutic use
  • Models, Biological
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Surgery, Plastic

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Finasteride
  • Minoxidil