Definition
Androgenetic alopecia is a condition characterized by hair loss, and therefore by thinning of the scalp. It mainly affects men, but in some cases it can also affect women (in this case, we talk about female androgenetic alopecia, another form of baldness that will not be discussed in this article).
Androgenetic alopecia is not considered as a real pathology, but patients who suffer from it can experience it as a discomfort that can negatively affect their social plan.
Causes
The causes of androgenetic alopecia lie in both a hormonal and a family component.
In fact, the development of the pathology depends on the genetic predisposition and on the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase type II of each individual.
This enzyme - which is also found at the level of hair follicles - has the task of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. It is precisely the activity of this androgen hormone that causes thinning and weakening of the hair and the miniaturization of hair follicles, which then leads to the irreversible "fall" of the hair itself.
Symptoms
Of course, in patients suffering from alopecia there is a noticeable loss of hair which - in most cases - affects mainly the areas above the temples and the vertex, sparing the nape area and temples. Indeed, it is said that androgenetic alopecia causes baldness called "crown".
In some cases, in addition, seborrhea and dandruff can appear in association with hair loss.
Information on Alopecia - Drugs to Defeat Androgenetic Alopecia is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Alopecia - Drugs to Defeat Androgenetic Alopecia.
drugs
As mentioned, androgenetic alopecia is not considered a real disease. However, individuals who suffer from it may feel uncomfortable and this can negatively affect their quality of life.
Fortunately, there are some drugs - to be taken either topically or orally - that can be successfully used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
These drugs can be useful both in reducing hair loss and in promoting growth.
However, the results in terms of regrowth are limited; consequently severe alopecia can be resolved only with the use of hair transplant or with the application of prosthesis.
Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia ®, Folians ®, Pilus ®) is a drug inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, ie it inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
With the inhibition of this enzyme at the level of hair follicles, the levels of dihydrotestosterone, the androgen hormone responsible for the miniaturization of the hair bulbs themselves, are also reduced.
Finasteride is available for oral administration as tablets.
In the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, the dose of drug usually used is 1 mg a day, to be taken indifferently on a full stomach or on an empty stomach.
Minoxidil
When used topically, minoxidil is able to promote hair and hair growth, but the mechanism by which this occurs has not yet been fully clarified.
For this reason, minoxidil (
Generally, it is recommended to apply the minoxidil-based product directly to the affected area twice a day, for a period of at least 3-4 months.
However, it is always necessary to follow the indications provided by the doctor, both with regard to the frequency of administration and to the duration of treatment.
It should also be remembered that treatment with minoxidil should not be stopped abruptly, as there is a risk of canceling the progress made and returning to the situation prior to treatment within a few months.
