Hormonal changes in male-type androgenetic alopecia

ABSTRACT

Androgens play an important role in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Conflicating data has since been reported with regards to gonadotropin and androgen levels in androgenetic alopecia. A case control study was planned to evaluate androgens and gonadotropins in hyperandrogenaemia of males for their role in androgenetic alopecia. Patients of androgenetic alopecia [n=22] were men with fronto-occipital baldness, aged 20-30 years. Healthy controls [n=20] were age matched males without alopecia. The individuals with clinical evidence of any systemic or localised scalp disease were excluded. Levels of FSH, LH, Prolactin and Testosterone were higher in patients of androgenetic alopecia when compared with normal controls but the difference was not significant statistically. Serum SHBG was lower while DHEA-S and androstenedione levels were significantly higher in patients of androgenetic alopecia [p < 0.05]. Testosterone/SHBG ratio as an index of free testosterone was significantly higher [p < 0.01] in patients of androgenetic alopecia as compared to healthy controls. The results support the hypothesis that androgenetic alopecia in males is associated with hyperandrogenaemia