Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: A Narrative Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Evaluation, and Treatments - PubMed
2 days ago
- #Androgenetic Alopecia
- #Minoxidil
- #Female Hair Loss
- Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects nearly 50% of women during their lifetime, making it the most prevalent form of chronic hair loss in women.
- AGA in women is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to significant psychosocial consequences like diminished self-esteem and reduced quality of life.
- The pathophysiology of AGA involves hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors, with androgens promoting follicular miniaturization and estrogens potentially offering protective effects.
- Clinical evaluation of AGA includes differential diagnoses such as chronic telogen effluvium and diffuse alopecia areata, using tools like trichoscopy and pull testing.
- Topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for female AGA (FPHL), with off-label options including oral minoxidil, anti-androgens, and hair transplantation.
- Adjunctive treatments like low-level light therapy and platelet-rich plasma may enhance results when used with medical therapies.
- There is a lack of randomized controlled trials for AGA in women, highlighting the need for more FDA-approved treatments to address the psychosocial burden.