madman
Super Moderator
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair loss disorder affecting up to 80% of males by the age of 80. It is characterized by androgen-related progressive thinning of hair in a defined pattern. It results in diminished self-esteem, reduced confidence, and distress in affected men, irrespective of age or stage of baldness. Effective treatment for hair baldness is needed.
Areas covered: In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles undergo progressive miniaturization. Genetic factors and androgens are key role players in disease pathogenesis. Herein the authors review the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia, which involves 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, minoxidil, and prostaglandins. Non-pharmacologic approaches are also explored.
Expert opinion: Androgenetic alopecia progresses over time and although the currently available medical treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are effective in arresting the progression of the disease, they allow only partial regrowth of hair at its best. Early treatment achieves a more optimal outcome. Non-pharmacologic treatments like PRP can be considered in patients refractory to medical treatment.
5. Conclusion
Patients with MPHL can have varied responses to treatment. Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are both FDA-approved for the treatment of MPHL and have been the mainstay of treatment to date. However, significant developments in hair research have resulted in a number of new pharmacotherapeutic and procedural treatments for hair growth promotion. Actively recruiting clinical trials aims to explore novel treatments in AGA. Single-agent treatment may not be sufficient to produce the desired outcome long-term. Overall, combination therapy incorporating systemic pharmacotherapy with procedural modalities may be the way to produce sustainable results.
Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair loss disorder affecting up to 80% of males by the age of 80. It is characterized by androgen-related progressive thinning of hair in a defined pattern. It results in diminished self-esteem, reduced confidence, and distress in affected men, irrespective of age or stage of baldness. Effective treatment for hair baldness is needed.
Areas covered: In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles undergo progressive miniaturization. Genetic factors and androgens are key role players in disease pathogenesis. Herein the authors review the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia, which involves 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, minoxidil, and prostaglandins. Non-pharmacologic approaches are also explored.
Expert opinion: Androgenetic alopecia progresses over time and although the currently available medical treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are effective in arresting the progression of the disease, they allow only partial regrowth of hair at its best. Early treatment achieves a more optimal outcome. Non-pharmacologic treatments like PRP can be considered in patients refractory to medical treatment.
5. Conclusion
Patients with MPHL can have varied responses to treatment. Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are both FDA-approved for the treatment of MPHL and have been the mainstay of treatment to date. However, significant developments in hair research have resulted in a number of new pharmacotherapeutic and procedural treatments for hair growth promotion. Actively recruiting clinical trials aims to explore novel treatments in AGA. Single-agent treatment may not be sufficient to produce the desired outcome long-term. Overall, combination therapy incorporating systemic pharmacotherapy with procedural modalities may be the way to produce sustainable results.
