Hormonal Profile in Indian Men with Premature Androgenetic Alopecia

INTRODUCTION: Alopecia in male is considered as a genetically determined disorder characterized by increased level of local androgen metabolite and increase androgen receptor binding in balding areas. Frequent deviations of hormones from normal values have been reported in men diagnosed with premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA) especially for androgens, gonadotropins and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Different studies in the past have inferred that premature baldness before the age of thirty in males could be considered equivalent to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hormonal profile of 50 men with severe premature balding before 30 years of age were compared with same numbers of age matched controls. The serum concentrations of total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, SHBG, insulin and fasting blood sugar were estimated. Statistical analysis was performed with paired Student's t-test for cases and controls. RESULTS: Decreased levels of SHBG with high free androgen index were found in cases when compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Though altered hormonal profile may coexist in some of men with premature AGA it can’t be considered as male equivalent to PCOS in female or the metabolic syndrome.