Androgenetic Alopecia and Challenges in Treatment

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss comprising receding frontal hairline in men and diffuse hair thinning in women. It has a serious impact on individual’s quality of life. While a variety of medical, surgical, light-based, and nutraceutical treatment options are available to slow or reverse the progression of AGA, selecting patient-specific therapy for this chronic condition is challenging.It is important to note that the only FDA approved therapies needed totreat AGA, are topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and low-level light therapy but there are several other treatments available in the form of oral and topical modalities, hormonal therapies, nutraceuticals, PRP, and exosome treatments, and hair transplantation.

The treatment selection involves ethical, evidence-based decision-making and treatment tailored to patient’s needs, compliance, financial considerations, extent of hair loss, and aesthetic goals, independent of potential financial benefits to the practitioners. Recently, minoxidil has received special attention because of the good compliance of the patient. Minoxidil treatment in AGA patients is more convenient and not associated with greater side effects. It is also important for the health care practitioners to inform the patients about the transitory hair shedding that occurs after 2 months of the treatment initiation, to ensure patient compliance.

Reference

1.      Nestor MS, Ablon G, Gade A, Han H, et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 20:3759-3781.

2.      Alves R. Clin Res, Dermatol Open Access. 2017; 4: 1-13. 

(This Information is Meant For a Registered Medical Practitioner Only)