Epidemiology and Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Hair loss affects self-image and is a significant contributor to anxiety and depression in some men, despite the fact that male androgenetic alopecia is frequently thought of as a relatively minor dermatological problem. Male androgenetic alopecia is also considered a risk factor for several other diseases including cardiovascular diseases. It affects 30-50% of men by the age of 50. Male androgenetic alopecia is a genetically transferred disease. Midfrontal scalp, vertex and temples are the commonly affected areas. Follicular shrinkage, inflammation, and altered hair development are the main pathophysiological characteristics the disease. The anagen phase gets shorter with each cycle whereas the telogen phase stays the same length or gets longer during the course of the disease. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about the epidemiology and treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. Male androgenetic alopecia shows variable prevalence among different ages and ethnicities. Caucasians have much high reported prevalence than Asians. The prevalence of male androgenetic increases with age. Minoxidil and finasteride are the drugs of choice and most commonly used in practice for the treatment. Even while the existing therapies for androgenetic alopecia are effective in slowing the disease's progression, they only allow for partial hair restoration. Early treatment leads to the most ideal outcome. Hair transplantation remains the option if medical treatment fails. Further research can aid in developing new treatment strategies.