Drugs and androgenetic alopecia: What to look out for

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a nonscarring hair loss resulting from androgen-induced shortening of the hair follicle growth phase and eventual hair follicle miniaturization. Clinically, AGA manifests as a distinct hair loss pattern characterized by progressive hair thinning and shedding in androgen-dependent regions of the scalp. Given a pathogenesis centered around androgenic activity, any external stimulus that affects the delicate balance of androgens and estrogens has the potential to impact the clinical course of AGA. A number of drugs that promote androgenic activity or inhibit estrogenic activity carry the risk of unmasking AGA in genetically predisposed individuals or exacerbating existing AGA symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of the specific drugs that contribute to AGA progression and severity is essential for effective clinical evaluation and management.