Androgenetic Alopecia: a Review and Emerging Treatments

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the most common noncicatricial alopecia that leads to the progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle. Scalp terminal hairs are converted into vellus hairs, primarily due to two factors: genetic predisposition and hormonal stimulation. The incidence and prevalence of AGA increases with age. The onset of AGA is gradual, and when this pathology progresses, the anagen phase shortens and the telogen phase remains constant. The shedding area varies from patient to patient and is usually most marked at the vertex in men, while women with AGA generally lose hair diffusely over the crown. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride (5-alpha-reductase type II inhibitor) are the gold-standard therapies for AGA and are currently the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for the treatment of AGA. The currently available treatments for AGA are sometimes perceived as having limited effectiveness; therefore, the identification of new therapies for this pathology is of utmost importance. This article aims to review the pathogenesis, diagnosis of AGA and all the new emerging treatments for this entity in order to prevent its progression and improve the results of this pathology.