Current methods of treatment in male and female androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia affecting millions of men and women. AGA is an androgen hormone dependent process involving continuous miniaturization of sensitive hair follicles in both men and women, who are genetically predisposed. It has been reported to be a polygenic trait that is believed to involve several genes for both sexes. Hair loss in women is usually much less severe than in men, newertheless in affected women AGA causes serious psychological problems and its etiopathogenesis, especially in women, is not yet fully understood. However. experimental and clinical advances elucidate some pathogenetic steps leading to AGA. Currently most promissing approaches to the treatment of baldness in men are drug therapies, such as topical mijioxidil and finasteride administered systemically. AGA in women can be treated with topical minoxidil, too, but in contrast to men antiandrogens administered systemically are frequently used.