Androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss, and alopecia areata are among the most
common forms of nonscarring hair loss encountered in clinical practice. Although the exact
pathogenesis of these forms of alopecia remains to be clarified, genetic factors appear to
have a significant contribution to their pathogenesis. Current treatment strategies are
limited and their effectiveness remains modest at best. This review summarizes the current
purported pathogenesis and recent genetic discoveries relating to these forms of alopecia.
The role of molecular diagnostic testing is also discussed in relation to its future clinical
utility for the prediction of developing hair loss, the diagnosis of the type of alopecia,
prediction of disease severity, development of novel therapeutic and preventative targeted
treatments, as well as determination of response to therapy.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:258-266 © 2012 Frontline Medical Communications

Androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss, and alopecia areata are among the most
common forms of nonscarring hair loss encountered in clinical practice. Although the exact
pathogenesis of these forms of alopecia remains to be clarified, genetic factors appear to
have a significant contribution to their pathogenesis. Current treatment strategies are
limited and their effectiveness remains modest at best. This review summarizes the current
purported pathogenesis and recent genetic discoveries relating to these forms of alopecia.
The role of molecular diagnostic testing is also discussed in relation to its future clinical
utility for the prediction of developing hair loss, the diagnosis of the type of alopecia,
prediction of disease severity, development of novel therapeutic and preventative targeted
treatments, as well as determination of response to therapy.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:258-266 © 2012 Frontline Medical Communications