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Practical Aspects of Hair Transplantation in Asians pp 643–651Cite as

Current and Future Medical Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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Abstract

The key change of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the thinning of hairs caused by miniaturization of hair follicles, not the shedding of hairs. As terminology implies, androgens (male sex hormones), especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play important roles in the pathogenesis of AGA, but no exact pathogenesis has been proven so far. However, several medications are successfully used for AGA through various mechanisms.

Many medical treatments for AGA have been introduced. Currently, oral 5AR inhibitors, including finasteride and dutasteride, and topical minoxidil are mainstream therapies. In addition, the topical 5AR inhibitor 17α-estradiol, mesotherapy, and LLLT can all be used as second-line treatments in some countries for both in men and women. Antiandrogens can be successfully used in females as well.

Cell-based treatment may be the future of medical treatment of hair loss, but more time is needed to establish effectiveness, cost, and technical details.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea

    Chang-Hun Huh M.D., Ph.D.

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  1. Chang-Hun Huh M.D., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Chang-Hun Huh M.D., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. DHT Clinic Private Practice, Bangkok, Thailand

    Damkerng Pathomvanich

  2. Yokobi Clinic Private practice, Yokohama, Japan

    Kenichiro Imagawa

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Huh, CH. (2018). Current and Future Medical Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. In: Pathomvanich, D., Imagawa, K. (eds) Practical Aspects of Hair Transplantation in Asians. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56547-5_68

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-56547-5_68

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-56545-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-56547-5

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