Definition
"Androgenetic alopecia is a condition characterized by hair loss, therefore by the thinning of the scalp. It mainly affects men, but in some cases it can also affect women (in this case, we speak of female androgenetic alopecia, a" another form baldness that will not be covered in this article).
Androgenetic alopecia is not considered as a real pathology, but patients who suffer from it can experience it as a discomfort that can negatively affect their social level.
Causes
The causes of androgenetic alopecia reside in both a hormonal and a family component.
In fact, the development of the disease depends on the genetic predisposition and on the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase type II enzyme of each individual.
This enzyme - which is also found in the hair follicles - has the task of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. It is precisely the activity of this androgen hormone that causes the thinning and weakening of the hair and the miniaturization of the hair follicles. , which then leads to the irreversible "fall" of the same hair.
Symptoms
Naturally, in patients suffering from alopecia there is considerable hair loss which - in most cases - mainly affects the areas above the temples and the vertex, sparing the area of the nape and temples. In fact, it is said that "androgenetic alopecia causes a baldness called" crown ".
In some cases, moreover, in association with hair loss, seborrhea and dandruff may also appear.
The information on Alopecia - Drugs to Defeat Androgenetic Alopecia is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Alopecia - Drugs to Defeat Androgenetic Alopecia.
Medicines
As mentioned, androgenetic alopecia is not considered a real disease. However, individuals who suffer from it can feel uncomfortable and this can negatively affect their quality of life.
Fortunately, there are some drugs - to be taken both topically and orally - that can be used successfully in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
These drugs can be useful both in reducing hair loss and in promoting hair growth.
The results in terms of regrowth are however limited; as a result, severe alopecia can only be resolved with recourse to hair transplantation or with the application of prostheses.
The following are the drugs most used in the therapy against androgenetic alopecia and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient. patient and his response to treatment.
Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia ®, Folians ®, Pilus ®) is a type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor, ie it inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
With the inhibition of this enzyme at the level of the hair follicles, the levels of dihydrotestosterone, the androgen hormone responsible for the miniaturization of the hair bulbs themselves, are consequently reduced.
Finasteride is available for oral administration in the form of tablets.
In the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, the dose of drug usually used is 1 mg per day, to be taken either on a full stomach or on an empty stomach.
Minoxidil
When used topically, minoxidil is able to promote hair and hair growth, but the mechanism by which this occurs has not yet been fully understood.
It should also be remembered that minoxidil treatment should not be stopped abruptly, as there is a risk of undoing the progress made and returning to the pre-treatment situation within a few months.
For this reason, minoxidil (Regaine ®, Aloxidil ®, Carexidil ®) is available in pharmaceutical formulations for cutaneous use with specific therapeutic indications for the symptomatic treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Generally, it is recommended to apply the minoxidil-based product directly to the affected area twice a day, for a period of at least 3-4 months.
In any case, it is necessary to always follow the instructions provided by the doctor, both as regards the frequency of administration and the duration of treatment.
