Male-Pattern Hair Loss May be Treated, Scientists Report




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Genetic hair loss in men, or so-called “male-pattern alopecia”, is a widely spread condition that affects more than a half of all men aged 50 and older. In some men, genetically determined hair loss starts as early as in their 20th.

Until now, male-pattern baldness was considered virtually incurable and only treatable by means of hair transplantation and similar drastic measures. Sadly, numerous surveys show that men, just like women, can suffer a number of psychological disorders in relation to their deteriorating self-image triggered by hair loss. Is there any hope for men with alopecia?

Recently, researchers have conducted a study to determine how a medication called Dutasteride, which belongs to a group of enzyme inhibitors, can help men suffering from genetically induced hair loss. The study, which involved male pairs of identical twins with hair loss, has found that Dutasteride is an effective drug that can combat and even reverse male-pattern alopecia by stopping hair loss and promoting the growth of new scalp hair.

In the course of the study, a group of balding twin subjects was given a half of a milligram of Dutasteride daily, while the control group of patients was “treated” with placebo. The closely-controlled and monitored experiment lasted for a year. In the end of the study, the researchers reported that hair loss, formerly observed in identical twins treated with Dutasteride, was not only halted but also significantly improved. While men of the control group continued balding, men on the medication showed steady growth of new, healthy hair.

Dutasteride, also known under brand names Avodart, Duagen, and Duprost, is the inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, a medication that affect testosterone and hampers its conversion into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The drug is used extensively to treat some DHT-induced health conditions, such as non-cancerous prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostatic gland).

Since male-pattern alopecia is known to be a testosterone-involving genetic condition, and identical twins have the same genes, this new research can give a hope for men suffering from genetically-induced alopecia. Although further studies are needed, Dutasteride can become a promising medication to combat a widely-spread condition of male baldness.

Christiana Roberts

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Posted on February 10, 2008 
Filed Under Hair Loss Treatments

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