Management of male pattern hair loss.

Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia. sinclair@svhm.org.au

The management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has been materially altered by the availability of the 5 alpha-reductase type 2 inhibitor, finasteride.

Nevertheless, this agent is only one component of successful management, and an understanding of the role of camouflage agents, surgical options, and other medical treatments is important.

Because no treatment completely reverses baldness, it is important to communicate the limitations of each modality to the patient so that he has appropriate expectations of the outcome of any intervention.

Patient counseling and support are also often relevant.