Systemic Treatment Options for Androgenic Alopecia

    March 2026 in “ Lithuanian University of Health Sciences ”
    Arijana Bagdanavičiūtė, Katrina Gaidulevič, Kamilė Kalendraitė
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    TLDR Finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil are effective for treating hair loss, with spironolactone as an option for women.
    This review examines systemic treatment options for androgenic alopecia, highlighting the importance of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicle miniaturization and hair thinning. The study identifies 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, and oral minoxidil as the most effective systemic treatments for slowing disease progression and promoting hair regrowth. For women, additional antiandrogen therapy like spironolactone may be used. Systemic treatment is essential, especially when topical treatments are insufficient, as it targets the fundamental mechanisms of the disease and provides broader therapeutic effects.
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      community Is this broscience? From More Plates, More Dates

      in Research/Science  21 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.
      Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

      community Can I still save my hairline at age of 15?

      in General  532 upvotes 4 months ago
      A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

      community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

      in Satire  7 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

      community Dht kills hair, but no one says why?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  40 upvotes 6 months ago
      DHT affects hair follicles, contributing to hair loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss, though they may have side effects and varying effectiveness.

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