Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z Volumes 1, 2 and 3

Everything you need to know about the most common hair loss disorder and how to treat it!

In this 3 Volume masterpiece, every aspect of the Androgenetic Alopecia (in males & females) is evaluated. Discover detailed, dedicated chapters on every aspect of AGA/FPHL (Female Pattern Hair Loss), including:

• Basic Science, Diagnosis, Aetiology, and Related Disorders of Androgenetic Alopecia in Vol 1. The exciting details of hair follicle biology and life, every aetiologic parameter of AGA/FPHL, the accurate diagnosis of AGA/FPHL, related disorders of AGA/FPHL, even paediatric and adolescent AGA/FPHL.

• Drugs, Nutrition, Herbs, Supplements and AGA/FPHL are analyzed in Vol 2. Drugs, FDA-approved and every off-label medical treatment of AGA/FPHL is analyzed, Nutrition, Lifestyle and how they affect AGA/FPHL, Vitamins, trace elements, herbs & supplements in AGA/FPHL are all presented with thousands of literature citations.

• Hair Restoration Surgery, Future Treatments, & Hair Care are included in Vol 3. All Surgical Hair Restoration techniques used to treat AGA/FPHL are explained with thousands of photos, Alternative and potential future treatments, Coverage, Hair prosthesis and hair care in AGA/FPHL are documented with exquisite detail.

Handy, thorough and practical, Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol.1-3 will meet the needs of Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, General Practitioners, and all other physicians involved in the fast growing and fascinating field of Hair Restoration!

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Complete Series Of

Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z

The ultimate reference tool for the understanding and treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

Vol.1 Basic Science, Diagnosis, Etiology, and Related Disorders

Vol.2 Drugs, Herbs, Nutrition and Supplements

Vol.3 Hair Restoration Surgery, Alternative Treatments and Hair Care

About the Author

Anastassakis Konstantinos MD, Ph.D. is a Head & Neck Surgeon and Hair Restoration Surgeon, practicing in Athens, Greece, since 2004. He is a full member of the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) since 2009 and since 2019 he is one of the only 120 distinguished Fellow Members of the ISHRS. He is also the Founder and President of the HAHRS, the Hellenic Academy of Hair Restoration Surgery, which is a Global Council Member of the ISHRS.

Dr. Anastassakis is among a handful of surgeons in the world who are awarded the “Experience Route” accreditation of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). He sits as a member of the ABHRS oral examination board since 2016, was elected to the ABHRS Board of Directors, the highest hierarchical body of ABHRS, in 2018, and has served as Vice-President Of ABHRS (2022).

Anastassakis Konstantinos MD, Ph.D

Author, Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon and Entrepreneur

Frequently Asked Questions about Hairloss, Alopecia & Male Pattern Baldness.

Is there a cure for hair loss?

At present, there is no definitive cure for Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) in men (Male Pattern Baldness) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). However, FDA-approved medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride, along with Hair Restoration Surgery (HRS), are the most effective and safe approaches. Additionally, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can aid in hair growth whereas Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) will efficiently camouflage bald areas. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and practicing good hair care habits may also support hair health as long as the cause of hair loss is not AGA or FPHL. You will find details on FDA-approved or off-label drugs against hair loss in Chapters 23-47 of Volume 2 and everything concerning HRS in Volume 3.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes, stress can contribute to hair loss. Psycho-emotional stress, acute or chronic, can be a primary inducer of hair loss or may be an aggravating factor of a pre-existing hair loss disorder, such as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) in men (Male Pattern Baldness) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL).
Intense psycho-emotional stress can lead to excessive shedding. Stress may trigger hormonal imbalances, increase inflammation, and affect the normal functioning of hair follicles.
The exact mechanisms responsible for these effects appear to involve multiple biologic pathways which are presented in detail in Chapter 17 of Volume 1.

Are there any natural remedies for hair loss?

Alternative or natural therapies are attractive because they are considered more compatible with patients’ values, worldview, spiritual/religious philosophy, or beliefs regarding the nature and meaning of health and illness.

Scalp massage to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, potentially promoting hair growth. (Find whether it is effective in Chapter 16 of Volume 1)
Essential oils & herbal supplements: lavender, rosemary, and peppermint may have stimulating effects on the scalp whereas herbs such as saw palmetto and ginseng, are believed to have potential benefits for hair loss. (Essential oils and herbs are reviewed in dedicated chapters in Volume 2, Chapters 70-83)
Balanced diet: Every effect of nutritional supplements and nutrition in general is reviewed in Volume 2, Chapters 48-69)

What is Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness?

Male Pattern Baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a genetically determined, androgen-induced, age-depended, and most common hair loss disorder affecting only genetically predisposed men. It is characterized by a gradual and predictable pattern of hair thinning and loss caused by the gradual miniaturization of normal terminal hair follicles in specific areas of the scalp, under the effect of androgens. Terminal hair follicles progressively convert into vellus-like hair follicles, from which short, thin, colorless, vellus hair of short lifetime grow. Chapters 11-19 of Volume 1 review extensively all known etiological/aggravating factors of AGA.

What are the common signs and symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness??

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) typically typically follows a predictable pattern of hair loss. It begins with a receding hairline, followed by thinning at the crown (top) of the head. Over time, these areas may continue to expand, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness.

Receding hairline: The hairline gradually moves backward, often forming an “M” shape.
Thinning crown: Hair at the crown of the head starts to thin, creating a bald spot.
Thinning hair: Hair becomes progressively thinner and shorter over time.
Hair loss progression: The thinning areas may expand, resulting in larger bald patches or complete baldness in advanced cases.

Chapter 11 of Volume 1 presents comprehensively the staging and natural course of AGA.

What are the available treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness?

There are several treatments available for Male Pattern Baldness, but it’s important to note that results can vary among individuals.

Medications: FDA-approved medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride will slow down hair loss, stimulate hair regrowth, and promote thicker hair. These are very extensively reviewed in Chapters 23-24 of Volume 2.
Hair Restoration Surgery (HRS): This surgical procedure involves transplanting hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to the balding areas, providing a permanent solution.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): Devices such as laser combs or helmets emit red light to stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness.
Scalp micropigmentation: Tattooing tiny dots on the scalp creates the illusion of a closely shaved head or denser hair, camouflaging bald areas.

Volume 3 covers every aspect of HRS, as well as alternative and future treatments for AGA/FPHL, such as LLT and SMP!

Are there any medications that can effectively treat Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness?

Yes, there are medications that have shown effectiveness in treating Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness. The two main FDA-approved medications for this condition are Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing further loss. Finasteride is an oral medication that works by blocking the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Finasteride can help slow down hair loss, stimulate regrowth, and improve hair density. It’s important to note that these medications may have varying degrees of effectiveness and are very extensively reviewed in Chapters 23-24 of Volume 2.

What lifestyle changes can I make to manage Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness?

While lifestyle changes cannot reverse Male Pattern Baldness /AGA, they can contribute to overall hair health and potentially slow down the progression of hair loss. Here are some recommendations:

Maintain a balanced diet, decrease dietary fat and refined carbohydrate intake.
Avoid harsh treatments, such as heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles that can cause damage and breakage.
Reduce stress by managing stressful situations more efficiently.
Protect your scalp from excessive sun exposure.
Discontinue smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

Chapters 47 and 48 of Volume 2 concentrate on general nutrition and lifestyle factors and how they affect the severity of AGA/FPHL.

How does Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness differ from other types of hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), differ from other types of hair loss in several ways.
Firstly, AGA has a strong genetic component and is influenced by hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This type of hair loss follows a predictable pattern, with gradual hair thinning and loss primarily at the hairline and crown of the head.
In contrast, other types of hair loss have various causes such as autoimmune disorders (e.g., alopecia areata), hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, or certain medical conditions. These types of hair loss do not follow a specific pattern and can occur in patches or diffusely throughout the scalp.
Chapters 11-19 of Volume 1 review extensively the causes of AGA/FPHL and the diagnostic criteria that separate them form other causes of hair loss.

Are there any effective treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia/Male Pattern Baldness?

Yes, there are medications that have shown effectiveness in treating Male Pattern Baldness/AGA. The two primary FDA-approved medications for this condition are Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is a topical solution or foam that is applied directly to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing further loss. Finasteride is an oral medication that works by blocking the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Finasteride can help slow down hair loss, stimulate regrowth, and improve hair density. It’s important to note that these medications may have varying degrees of effectiveness and are very extensively reviewed in Chapters 23-24 of Volume 2. Additionally, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can aid in hair growth. Additionally, hair transplant surgery can provide a more permanent solution by relocating hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to thinning or balding areas. Volume 3 covers every aspect of Hair Restoration Surgery and LLLT with thousands of images!