ABSTRACT
The term androgenetic alopecia describes a form of androgen driven, patterned scalp hair loss in which there is a decline in production of hair fibers, which may eventually lead to balding. It affects both sexes and all ethnic groups, although the severity and frequency are greater in men and there are racial differences in prevalence. Male androgenetic alopecia is a common genetic trait, predominantly determined by genetic factors in the presence of normal levels of serum androgens. The same is true of androgenetic alopecia in most women. However, female androgenetic alopecia may also be a manifestation of significant androgen excess due to an underlying endocrine disorder. The pathology appears similar in men and women, although the pattern of hair loss tends to differ between the sexes and there is some controversy over whether male and female androgenetic alopecia share the same etiology. In this chapter, the treatments currently available for androgenetic alopecia are reviewed, together with a brief consideration of the etiology and epidemiology.
