Androgenetic Alopecia (Final) Flashcards
this is also known as male/female-pattern hair loss or baldness; androgen-induced hair loss that is hereditary
androgenetic alopecia
does this happen in men or women with androgenetic alopecia: hair thinning starts at the crown, gradually progressing to the mid-scalp area
men
does this happen in men or women with androgenetic alopecia: hair loss is milder presenting as a central thinning or widening of the part line
women
this phase of the normal physiology of hair growth is also known as the growth phase
anagen phase
this phase of the normal physiology of hair growth is also known as the transformation phase; usually lasts 2-3 weeks where the hair follicle moves upwards and separates from blood supply
catagen phase
this phase of the normal physiology of hair growth is also known as the resting phase; usually lasts 2-3 months; at the end of this phase the hair is releases from the scalp
telogen phase
which of the 3 phases of the normal physiology of hair growth I shortened in androgenetic alopecia
anagen phase
how does testosterone play a part in androgenetic alopecia
testosterone gets converted to DHT by 5-alpha reductase. DHT binds to an androgen receptor forming an androgen-receptor complex. this activates genes responsible for transformation of large follicles to smaller follicles with a shortened anagen phase
true or false: individuals with androgenetic alopecia appear to have relatively higher levels of 5-alpha reductase and androgenic receptors
true
if a patients has:
- hair thinning on crown (in males)
- widening of part (in females)
- family history of similar hair loss
what are the first line tx options for this possible androgenic alopecia
- nonpharmacologic options (cosmetic hair products, hair extensions)
- topical minoxidil
what are the goals of therapy regarding treating androgenetic alopecia
- decrease rate of hair thinning and increase coverage in areas of hair loss
- manage psychological factors (self esteem, mood changes, etc.)
what are some non-pharm tx options for androgenetic alopecia
- healthy hair habits (avoid chemical treatments, avoid excessive brushing, minimize heat)
- hair extensions, wigs, hair pieces
- camouflaging agents
this pharmacological treatment is usually first line if non-pharm measures do not suffice. it is shown to be effective for both male and female-pattern hair loss. this medication prolongs the duration of the anagen phase, increasing hair count and weight
topical minoxidil
this minoxidil formulation is approved for male pattern hair loss only
solution (2%)
this minoxidil formulation is approved for both male and female pattern hair loss
foam (5%)
true or false: minoxidil can be compounded as a 5% solution in 70% ethyl alcohol (Biobase)
true -> cheaper and less irritating to the scalp
what are the administration counselling points for minoxidil
- apply directly to a DRY scalp
- avoid direct application to the hair
- wash hands after application
- product should stay in place for at least 4 hours for maximum efficacy
should minoxidil solution be applied OD or BID
BID
should minoxidil foam be applied OD or BID
men: BID
women: OD
when should patients expect to see hair growth if using topical minoxidil
2 months; max effect within 1 year
true or false: patients may see hair shedding during the first 1-2 months of using minoxidil
true
what are some adverse effects patients should monitor for when using topical minoxidil
- contact dermatitis
- tachycardia and hypertension (rare)
this is a pharmacological option for androgenetic alopecia. it is a competitive inhibitor of 5a-reductase, therefore it reduces scalp DHT levels
finasteride
what strength of finasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia
finasteride 1mg
