Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Oct;59(4):547-66; quiz 567-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.07.001.

Abstract

Male and female pattern hair loss affects a large percentage of the population, and patients frequently present for treatment of this to their dermatologist. Here we review the many treatments available for hair loss. We review the evidence for each, and outline the most effective treatment strategies for both men and women.

Learning objective: At the conclusion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the most effective treatments for hair loss, understand their mechanism(s) of action, and explain which treatments are the best in different settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / therapy*
  • Androgen Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Azasteroids / pharmacology
  • Azasteroids / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Dutasteride
  • Female
  • Finasteride / therapeutic use
  • Hair / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Hyperhidrosis / chemically induced
  • Ketoconazole / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Minoxidil / adverse effects
  • Minoxidil / pharmacology
  • Minoxidil / therapeutic use
  • Phototherapy
  • Prostate / drug effects
  • Sperm Count
  • Tretinoin / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Azasteroids
  • Tretinoin
  • Finasteride
  • Minoxidil
  • Dutasteride
  • Ketoconazole