Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, is the most widespread cause of progressive thinning worldwide. It affects roughly half of men by their fifties and is also common in women, particularly after menopause. Prevalence has historically been cited as lower in some populations, though rates appear to be rising alongside dietary and lifestyle shifts.
Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol Tablets
2/0.035mg
Cyproterone acetate with ethinylestradiol as a film-coated tablet, used for severe acne, hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia. An anti-androgen with an oestrogen.
Key points
- A hormone byproduct binds to receptors in follicles that are genetically primed to shrink, thinning hair over repeated cycles.
- Men usually first notice thinning at the temples and crown, while women tend to develop diffuse thinning with the hairline preserved.
- Any of the main treatments take four to six months to show results, and regrowth is usually lost again once treatment stops.
- Loss that appears suddenly, in patches, or with scalp itching or scaling points to a different diagnosis instead.
How it develops
The condition is inherited and hormone-driven. Androgens, chiefly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), bind to receptors in genetically susceptible follicles, causing them to shrink progressively over successive growth cycles, a process called follicular miniaturisation. In men this typically starts at the temples and crown; in women it tends to produce diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp while the frontal hairline stays relatively intact.
Hair loss in androgenetic alopecia is gradual, measured in years rather than weeks. If shedding is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by scalp scaling, itching, or other symptoms, a doctor should be seen to rule out other causes such as alopecia areata, tinea capitis, or thyroid dysfunction.
Treatments that target the underlying mechanism
The most established systemic treatments work by reducing DHT production or blocking androgen receptors at the follicle. Finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that lower scalp DHT levels; both are used for male-pattern loss. Women with androgenetic alopecia, particularly those in whom androgens are a clear driver, may be considered for cyproterone or a combined regimen including ethinylestradiol, which reduces circulating androgen activity.
Minoxidil works differently, it extends the growth phase of follicles and improves blood flow to the scalp. Applied topically, it is used by both men and women and is often the first treatment tried. Results from any of these treatments typically take four to six months to become visible, and hair that has been regained is usually lost again if treatment stops.
The full range of medicines available for androgenetic alopecia on Yasabai is listed in the hair loss and men’s health categories.
Further reading
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Androgenetic alopecia is the most widespread cause of progressive thinning worldwide, commonly called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss. It affects roughly half of men by their fifties and is also common in women, particularly after menopause.
What causes androgenetic alopecia?
The condition is inherited and hormone-driven. Androgens, chiefly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), bind to receptors in genetically susceptible follicles, causing them to shrink progressively over successive growth cycles, a process called follicular miniaturisation.
What are the symptoms of androgenetic alopecia?
In men, thinning is usually first noticed at the temples and crown, while women tend to develop diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp with the frontal hairline preserved. The hair loss is gradual, measured in years rather than weeks.
How is androgenetic alopecia treated?
The most established systemic treatments work by reducing DHT production or blocking androgen receptors at the follicle. Minoxidil works differently, extending the growth phase of follicles and improving blood flow to the scalp. Results typically take four to six months to become visible, and hair that has been regained is usually lost again if treatment stops.
What medicines are available for androgenetic alopecia?
The medicines listed for androgenetic alopecia include products containing finasteride, minoxidil and dutasteride. Examples include Propecia and Rogaine. Each product page lists the strengths and forms.
Are medicines for androgenetic alopecia available over the counter in Thailand?
Yes, online. Yasabai does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for androgenetic alopecia. We are an online store, not a dispensing pharmacy; we arrange your order and delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy medicines for androgenetic alopecia online?
Our pharmacy partners ship from India to Thailand and across Asia in discreet packaging. Standard Airmail takes up to 3 weeks; Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week.
How ordering works →