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  5. Antiandrogen therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A clinical review of current and emerging therapies.

Antiandrogen therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A clinical review of current and emerging therapies.

File(s)
40345536.pdf (443.67 KB)
No Access Until
2026-05-08
Permanent Link(s)
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/117698
Collections
Department of Neurological Surgery
Author
Ong, M.M.
Avram, M.
McMichael, A.
Tosti, A.
Lipner, S.R.
Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common hair loss type in women, but topical minoxidil is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment option. The pathophysiology involves shortened anagen phases, lengthened telogen phases, and hair follicle miniaturization. Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone, play a crucial role in male androgenetic alopecia pathogenesis, but their exact role in female pattern hair loss is unclear. Oral antiandrogens demonstrate some efficacy in women, albeit with considerations for side effects and contraindications. Topical antiandrogens may be used in combination with topical minoxidil or as alternatives to oral medications, likely with fewer systemic adverse effects. Patient-specific factors, including age, signs of hyperandrogenism, or need for contraception may help determine which antiandrogen therapy is most appropriate. This review focuses on current antiandrogen treatments for female pattern hair loss available in the United States and their limitations, as well as emerging treatments that are investigational, studied in other hair loss types, or available in other countries.

Journal / Series
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume & Issue
93(3)
Date Issued
2025-05-08
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
WCM Library Coordinated Deposit
•
Humans
•
Alopecia/drug therapy
•
Androgen Antagonists/therapeutic use/administration & dosage/adverse effects
•
Female
•
Minoxidil/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
•
Drug Therapy, Combination
•
Administration, Topical
•
Treatment Outcome
•
androgenetic alopecia
•
antiandrogens
•
female pattern hair loss
•
general dermatology
Related DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.04.074
Previously Published as
Ong MM, Avram M, McMichael A, Tosti A, Lipner SR. Antiandrogen therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A clinical review of current and emerging therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025;93(3):749-760. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2025.04.074. PMID: 40345536.
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Rights URI
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Type
article

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