For men struggling with thinning hair, the first step in starting treatment is choosing a method that suits them. However, as information about AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia) treatment has become more widespread, people often confuse “AGA treatment” with “hormone therapy.” Both are deeply related to hormones, which makes them seem similar at first glance, but they actually differ in purpose, treatment mechanisms, types of medication, and the symptoms they target. In particular, AGA is a condition influenced by a complex mix of aging, genetics, and hormones, so choosing the wrong treatment not only reduces effectiveness but can also worsen symptoms.
AGA treatment mainly involves medications that act directly on the scalp or suppress the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that causes hair loss. In contrast, hormone therapy aims to adjust overall hormonal balance throughout the body by supplementing or suppressing sex hormones, targeting specific illnesses or symptoms. As a result, the areas of the body affected and the specialized knowledge required for each approach are very different.
This article clarifies the differences between AGA treatment and hormone therapy. It compares their purposes, types of medications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and costs, to help readers select the treatment most suitable for them. This will be particularly useful for those considering starting treatment or those already undergoing treatment but not seeing desired results. To maximize treatment outcomes, the most important step is choosing the right approach tailored to your symptoms.
1. What is AGA Treatment? Its Purpose and Basics
AGA treatment aims to slow the progression of androgenetic alopecia and promote hair growth. AGA progresses as hair matrix cells weaken due to genetics and the influence of the male hormone testosterone, shortening the hair growth cycle and leading to thinning hair.
Main treatment approaches
- Suppressing DHT (dihydrotestosterone) production
Medications like finasteride and dutasteride suppress the production of the hormone that attacks hair follicles, slowing progression. - Activating hair matrix cells and improving blood circulation
Minoxidil, available as a topical or oral medication, dilates capillaries and helps deliver nutrients to the hair roots. - Improving scalp condition
Lifestyle changes and supplements are sometimes used as supportive measures.
AGA treatment focuses solely on maintaining and restoring hair and does not significantly alter the overall hormonal balance in the body.
2. What is Hormone Therapy? The Fundamental Difference from AGA Treatment
Hormone therapy refers broadly to treatments that adjust hormone secretion or action in the body. While AGA treatment can sometimes be considered part of hormone therapy, hormone therapy itself has a much wider range of applications and is not limited to hair-related issues.
Main areas of application
- Supplementing sex hormones (testosterone replacement, estrogen/progesterone replacement)
- Alleviating menopausal symptoms
- Slowing the progression of breast or prostate cancer
- Treating disorders of sexual development or endocrine abnormalities
In the context of AGA, hormone-therapy-like approaches include the use of DHT-suppressing drugs such as finasteride or anti-androgens, but these differ from treatments aimed at adjusting overall hormonal levels.
3. Differences in Mechanism of Action
AGA treatment mechanisms
- Localized approach
Directly impacts hair roots and scalp blood flow or hormone action to create a growth-friendly environment. - Suppressing DHT production
Inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase to reduce DHT levels and prevent follicle shrinkage.
Hormone therapy mechanisms
- Systemic approach
Adjusts hormone secretion or activity at a whole-body level. - Supplementation or suppression
Supplements deficient hormones or suppresses excessive hormones to improve symptoms.
AGA treatment focuses on localized scalp issues, while hormone therapy targets hormonal balance throughout the body.
4. Medications and Their Characteristics
AGA treatment medications
- Finasteride: Type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, suppresses DHT
- Dutasteride: Type I and II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, stronger suppression of DHT
- Minoxidil: Improves blood flow and activates hair matrix cells
Hormone therapy medications
- Testosterone products: Male hormone supplementation
- Estrogen and progesterone: Female hormone supplementation
- Anti-androgens: Suppress androgen effects (used for prostate conditions or hormone-sensitive disorders)
AGA medications are specialized for hair and have relatively limited side effects. Hormone therapy, by affecting the entire body, has a broader range of effects and potential side effects.
5. Effectiveness and Sustainability
AGA treatment
- Takes 3–6 months to show results
- Effects are maintained with continued use
- Discontinuation often leads to a return to baseline within months to a year
Hormone therapy
- Effectiveness varies depending on the condition and purpose
- Effects are maintained during treatment but often diminish or symptoms recur after stopping
- Useful for improving systemic symptoms or slowing disease progression
AGA treatment is a maintenance-focused therapy requiring ongoing use, while hormone therapy aims for systemic symptom control or stabilization.
6. Side Effects and Safety
Common side effects of AGA medications
- Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (finasteride, dutasteride)
- Itching or rash on the scalp (minoxidil)
- Rare cases of liver function issues
Common side effects of hormone therapy
- Weight gain, swelling
- Increased risk of blood clots (especially with estrogen products)
- Enlarged prostate or breast tissue (with testosterone supplementation)
- Worsening of menopausal symptoms (with hormone suppression therapy)
Because hormone therapy acts systemically, managing side effects is critical. While AGA medications are relatively safe, regular medical checkups are still recommended for long-term use.
7. Cost Differences and How to Choose
AGA treatment costs
- Oral and topical medications: About 10,000–20,000 yen per month
- Hair transplants or injection therapy: Several hundred thousand to millions of yen
Hormone therapy costs
- Covered by insurance: A few thousand yen to around 10,000 yen (depending on the condition)
- Non-insurance (cosmetic purposes): Tens of thousands of yen or more per month
The key is to determine whether your goal is limited to hair restoration or includes improving systemic symptoms. If hair loss is the only concern, AGA treatment is the first choice. If hormonal imbalances are present, hormone therapy should also be considered.
Summary
Both AGA treatment and hormone therapy involve hormonal action, but their core approaches, goals, and target symptoms are fundamentally different. AGA treatment focuses on managing progressive hair loss by improving the scalp environment, extending the lifespan of hair follicles, and promoting hair growth. It mainly uses medications like finasteride and dutasteride, which suppress DHT, and minoxidil, which improves blood circulation, to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth.
Hormone therapy, on the other hand, aims to adjust the overall hormonal balance in the body to treat various health conditions such as menopausal symptoms, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and hormonal disorders. Because it affects the entire body, it involves a wider variety of drugs, broader effects, and greater risks of side effects like blood clots or metabolic issues.
While AGA treatment is generally safe with fewer side effects, it requires ongoing care to maintain results. Hormone therapy, however, should always be conducted under strict medical supervision, with proper expertise and regular monitoring.
The most important factor in choosing a treatment is clarifying your goal: whether it is a localized cosmetic improvement or a systemic restoration of health. AGA treatment addresses hair-specific concerns, while hormone therapy supports overall hormonal balance. Understanding the distinct roles of each and consulting with a specialist will help you choose the approach that fits your body and goals best.
Because this decision can impact your long-term health and quality of life, avoid hasty self-diagnosis and rely on accurate knowledge and a calm, informed perspective.
