CLINICAL UPDATES IN HAIR

It is now known that there are major differences in the systemic and c ellular mechanisms that mediate hair loss in women versus men. The sev erity or degree of hair loss in women with androgenetic alopecia is us ually much less than in men. It is usually assumed that the hormonal b asis for androgenetic alopecia in women is Me same as in men; that is, the same target tissue-active androgens, testosterone and dihydrotest osterone, are being produced systemically to aggravate scalp hair foll icles, resulting in hair loss. This article reviews some of the latest findings in androgenetic alopecia for both men and women, along with new and old treatments and drugs, doses, and effectiveness. Research f indings indicate that levels of androgen-metabolizing enzymes and rece ptors differ in the scalps of women versus men, which may be important in formulating more effective hair, growth treatments in the future.