Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss that occurs in men and less common in women. The main cause of this type of hair loss is genetical predisposition to the increased sensitivity of hair root on the active metabolite of the male hormone testosterone (dihydrotestosterone), which inhibits hair in its development, and gradually leads to complete disappearance of hair and hair follicle.
In men, this type of hair loss results in different forms and varying degrees of baldness, which is dependable on patients’ genetic predisposition.
Treatment
PRP (platelet rich plasma) is the latest therapy shown to be very successful in treatment of androgenic alopecia, both men and women. Therapy triggers hair follicles from inactive to active growth phase. This procedure stimulates hair follicles to grow by preventing the process of hair follicle miniaturization. PRP improves scalp blood circulation which further contributes to the effectiveness of the treatment.
First results are visible within 3 to 4 months after the treatment. Hair becomes thicker and baldness pattern gradually starts to fill up. In order to achieve tangible results, it is necessary to do at least 3 treatments in period of 3 months, next one after 6 months, and thereafter to repeat treatment at least once a year. There are no adverse effects other than mild redness after the treatment and which withdraws basically after 24h. The treatment is showed to be the most effective if it’s done at the earliest phase of alopecia showing.
Alopecia can also be treated with topical preparations such as 2% and 5% minoxidil lotion that needs to be applied daily in period of 4 to 6 months for hair regrowth to be stimulated. Treatment is showed to be effective in 40% of men and it needs to be maintained continuously in order to prevent hair loss.
Oral treatment of androgenic alopecia includes administration of finasteride (blockers of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase inhibitor). The effect of therapy is usually visible after 6 months of therapy. If therapy is discontinued loss of new-grown hairs occurs within 12 months. This medicine can be used only by men. The side effects that should be mentioned are possible decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction which occur in a small percent of male patients.
