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SummaryAndrogenetic alopecia is the most common hair loss disorder, affecting both men and women. Initial signs of androgenetic alopecia usually develop during teenage years leading to progressive hair loss with a pattern distribution. Moreover, its frequency increases with age and affects up to 80 % Caucasian men and 42 % of women. Patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia may undergo significant impairment of quality of life. Despite the high prevalence and the variety of therapeutic options available, there have been no national or international evidencebased guidelines for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men and women so far. Therefore, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) initiated a project to develop an evidence-based S3 guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Based on a systematic literature research the efficacy of the currently available therapeutic options was assessed and therapeutic recommendations were passed in a consensus conference. The purpose of the guideline is to provide dermatologists as well as general practitioners with an evidence-based tool for choosing an efficacious and safe therapy for patients with androgenetic alopecia. Keywords• alopecia • androgenetic • Therapy • Guideline • hair loss I Introduction to the guideline Needs/problems and issues in patient careAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common chronic dermatologic disease, affecting both men and women. It is characterized by progressive hair loss usually occurring in a pattern distribution. The frequency increases with age. In Caucasians, at the age of 70 or beyond 80 % of men and up to 42 % of women have signs of androgenetic alopecia. Though the prevalence is high in elderly patients, androgenetic alopecia often already starts at puberty.Independent of age and gender, patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia undergo significant impairment in their quality of life. Hair is an important feature of image. Hair loss affects self-esteem, personal attractiveness and may lead to depression and other negative effects of life [1]. Androgenetic alopecia is clearly a burden for both sexes, but it is substantially more distressing for women [2].