Androgenetic Alopecia Treatments

Androgenetic alopecia is the medical name for male-pattern baldness, though it can also occur in women. The process is gradual, and will occur in some degree in most men and many women. Men have the most thinning at the crown as well as a receding hairline. Women with androgenetic alopecia lose hair uniformly across the scalp. Treatment for androgenetic alopecia varies depending on gender and the underlying cause of the condition. Common treatments include the use of minoxidil, finasteride, and antiandrogen therapy.

Causes

• The condition is triggered by fluctuation in the levels of the male hormone androgen, which women also have but in lesser amounts. Interference with hormones often causes this fluctuation, and in women, contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy are often blamed. People can also be genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.

Treatments

• Hair loss resulting from androgenetic alopecia is often treated with foams or creams like minoxidil, which are rubbed into the scalp, or oral treatments such as finasteride. Women suffering from androgenetic alopecia often undergo antiandrogen therapy, which aims to lower androgen levels and balance the body's hormonal system.

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil is a non-prescription hair growth stimulator, and is the active ingredient in Rogaine. It comes in the form of a solution or foam and is applied directly to the scalp. According to MayoClinic.com, hair growth from minoxidil -- if it occurs at all -- will occur only after several months of use and will stop growing once use is discontinued. Side effects from minoxidil include itching and rashes, and rarely produces cases of burning of the scalp, acne, growth of facial hair, soreness at hair roots, and swelling. Over absorption of minxodil can result in blurry vision, dizziness, numbness in the extremities, and rapid weight gain. It can be purchased without a prescription.

Finasteride

• Finasteride is a hair growth medication, and is the active ingredient in products like Proscar and Propecia. Unlike minoxidil, finasteride comes in tablet and is taken orally. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme Type II 5 (alpha)-reductase, which is responsible for metabolizing testosterone into hair-loss causing androgens. Apart from androgenetic alopecia, Finasteride can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with enlarged prostates, and may also help prevent the development of acute urinary retention.

Antiandrogen Therapy

• Women develop androgenetic alopecia because of excessive androgens. This is often caused by too much progestogen intake, a synthetic hormone used in contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy. Antiandrogens work by inhibiting androgen receptors. The most common types include cyproterone acetate, spironolactone and tretinoin.