Androgenetic Alopecia

Overview

Hair loss is a frequent phenomenon which may cause psychological problems in some patients.Androgenetic alopecia occupies a special position and belongs to the group of telogen hair loss. Therehave been demonstrated hormonal abnormalities in androgenetic alopecia. Clinically it is similar toother types of diffuse alopecias (alopecia in hypo- or hyperthyreoidism, alopecia following parturition,postfebrile alopecia, etc.). In females suffering from diffuse alopecia and with signs of virilizationit is necessary to investigate a potential hyperandrogenic syndrome (diseases of adrenals orovaria). In females it is recommended to test for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) sulfate which isexclusively of adrenal origin, and for testosterone (adrenals, ovaria). In both genders it is recommendedto examine thyroxin and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels, blood count, zinc, andferritin. Iron deficiency is a frequent and reversible cause of a telogenic effluvium. Itmayaccompanyandrogenetic alopecia. The blood ferritin level reveals the iron capacity in cells, including follicularcells, more precisely than the plasma iron value.In the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males, finasterid and minoxidil are recommended(by the FDA), in females antiandrogens (cytoproteron acetate), estrogens (ethinylestradiol) andminoxidil. Locally applied retinoids (tretinoin) increase the effects of minoxidil. The trichometricprogramwith the aid of MicroDermHair analysis determines the ratio of anagenic and telogenic hair.Within the framework of the program there are in play data-base and archiving functions (50). Themethod replaces the classical trichogram.

Key words:
androgenetic alopecia - hyperandrogenic syndrome - examination - treatment