Most patients need only reassurance that they will not immediately become bald, and after a careful explanation, most can accept the progression of their androgenetic alopecia. Summary Some degree of hair loss with aging is inevitable in both men and women. The exact underlying mechanism is not well understood. Although genetic factors have a role in the development of androgenetic alopecia, the outcome in an individual patient cannot be reliably predicted on the basis of family history. Balding tends to begin earlier in men and to develop in well-recognized patterns.
Women have more diffuse hair loss that often occurs after meno-pause.
The available treatment options, such as topical minoxidil therapy, hair transplantation, and other surgical techniques, are not very successful. Lessening patients' anxiety about hair loss by reassuring them that they will not go totally bald immediately may be the most effective management. Aetiology and pathophysiology of hair loss. Topical minoxidil therapy in hereditary androgenetic alopecia. A redefinition of male pattern baldness and its treatment.