Update on the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

OBJECTIVE: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss, affecting women (50% of menopausal women and a large number of women of childbearing age) as well as males (over 70% of adult men). Since the condition is of an evolutionary nature, it is important to intervene early in order to prevent the progression of the clinical picture. It is equally important to identify all the factors that may hinder the effectiveness of the therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted using, as electronic bibliographic database, Medline and the Cochrane library from 1995 until present. RESULTS: Patients who make use of certain supplements can be less responsive to medical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic approach to the patient with androgenetic alopecia should be global as the effectiveness of valid therapies may be affected by the patient overlooking the information received from the specialist.