title: Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in the United States: what treatments should primary care providers recommend?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss, affects up to 96% of Caucasian men. Characterized by gradual thinning and eventual loss of hair along frontotemporal, parietal, and vertex areas of the scalp, AGA is associated with low self-esteem, depression, and dissatisfaction with body appearance.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this systematic review of the literature, six primary research studies conducted in the United States are evaluated for their clinical application to primary care provider practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical minoxidil 2%-5% 1 mL twice daily or finasteride 1 mg daily are recommended as first line treatments, followed by the use of Food and Drug Administration-cleared HairMax LaserComb® in patients who do not respond to first line modalities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research in novel and established treatments is recommended, along with an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for practitioners in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Family Health Nurse Practitioner Program, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Evelyn Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Chin
mesh_terms: D000505:Alopecia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States
keywords: 5a-reductase inhibitor; Male; adults; dermatology; evidence-based practice; primary care; treatment