Male pattern baldness.
BACKGROUND
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men, occurs with varying severity and age of onset. Two new treatments widely available as alternatives to 2% minoxidil are 1 mg finasteride and topical 5% minoxidil. Finasteride is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor available by prescription only; 5% minoxidil is available over the counter.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE to identify all articles on AGA and its pharmacologic therapies.


RESULTS
We found limited information on AGA in peer review medical journals. Associated diseases include psychologic disorders and coronary heart disease. Hair growth is unpredictable and limited for all pharmacologic therapies, with the vast majority of treatment studies being industry sponsored.


CONCLUSIONS
AGA is not easy to treat. Finasteride and 5% minoxidil offer new therapeutic options to the balding man. Treatment options may improve as new drugs are further investigated.
Section of Dermatology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport 71130-3932, USA.
D J
DJ
Hogan
M
M
Chamberlain
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D017668:Age of Onset; D000505:Alopecia / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018120:Finasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D018120:Finasteride; D008914:Minoxidil