The diagnosis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a review of the most current management

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia is a widespread problem in contemporary dermatology, as it may also affect many young patients, in particular males, making them more prone to anxiety and depression which may be caused by a distorted body image. These behavioural problems may occur in older individuals as well. That is why, there is an obvious need for further development in that area of dermatology, which should also include discovering new therapies. In men, the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is quite simple, and the treatment usually involves incorporating minoxidil and/or finasteride. Switching from topical minoxidil to its systemic form as well as from finasteride to dutasteride may give better results in some patients. In general, male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a chronic disease that may demand pharmacological treatment in the long term, which is often unlimited. Therefore, and also considering the patients’ concerns involving the systemic usage of 5α-reductase inhibitors as well as the limitations of current therapies, some specialists use topical finasteride, dutasteride in mesotherapy and many other additional modalities. When it comes to female pattern hair loss (FPHL), in most cases it is also a chronic entity, which especially in younger women demands performing extended lab testing in the search for potential hyperandrogenism. It is necessary to remember that especially in women the condition may be triggered by many environmental and other additional factors, so taking that into consideration may be helpful in some patients.