Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2023 Jun;83(8):701-715.
doi: 10.1007/s40265-023-01880-x. Epub 2023 May 11.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

Shivali Devjani #  1 , Ogechi Ezemma #  1 , Kristen J Kelley  1 , Emma Stratton  1 , Maryanne Senna  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

Shivali Devjani et al. Drugs. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or female pattern hair loss (FPHL), is the most common form of alopecia worldwide, and arises from an excessive response to androgens. AGA presents itself in a characteristic distribution unique to both sexes. Despite its prevalence, AGA can be quite challenging to treat. The condition is chronic in nature and stems from an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. There are only two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for the condition: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. However, numerous non-FDA-approved treatments have been shown to be effective in treating AGA in various studies. Some of these treatments are relatively new and still to be explored, thus emphasizing the need for an updated review of the literature. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the evaluation of AGA and the mechanisms of action, costs, efficacies, and safety profiles of existing, alternative, and upcoming therapeutics for this widespread condition.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Shivali Devjani, Ogechi Ezemma, Kristen J. Kelley, Emma Stratton and Maryanne Senna all declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic alopecia. Treasure Island: StatPearls; 2022. - PubMed
    1. Price VH. Androgenetic alopecia in women. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2003;8(1):24–27. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12168.x. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, Chrousos G, de Herder WW, Dhatariya K, et al., editors. Endotext. South Dartmouth; 2000.
    1. Piraccini BM, Alessandrini A. Androgenetic alopecia. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2014;149(1):15–24. - PubMed
    1. Osborn D. INHERITANCE OF BALDNESS various patterns due to heredity and sometimes present at birth—a sex-limited character—dominant in man—women not bald unless they inherit tendency from both parents. J Heredit. 1916;7:347–55.

LinkOut - more resources