Androgenetic Alopecia: Narrative Review of Current Therapies and Proposal of a Practical Algorithm for Pharmacological Treatment

The review discusses traditional hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, and newer options like Low-Level Laser Therapy, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia. It highlights the need for more high-quality trials to assess these treatments' effectiveness and standardized protocols for emerging therapies.

Evidence-based treatments for androgenic alopecia, such as minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, platelet-rich plasma, and topical ketoconazole. It discusses the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of these treatments, as well as future developments in understanding this polygenic condition.

The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

Topical formulations, natural products, and CAM therapies are being used to treat Androgenic alopecia to avoid side effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil. The review covers various low-risk, alternative treatment options.

The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.