Androgenetic alopecia – Medical management

Abstract

There are a number of options available for the medical management of androgenetic alopecia. The key questions for practitioners are what the available medications are and what is their efficacy? What are the possible side-effects of these options? Are there differences in response according to parameters like gender? Are combinations effective? What are the newer options available and what could the future hold? This narrative review attempts to answer these questions. The main focus is on the medical treatment options which have significant evidence as of now – minoxidil, 5 alfa-reductase inhibitors, low light laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma.

Keywords

• androgenetic alopecia
• finasteride
• low light laser therapy
• minoxidil
• platelet-rich plasma