5α-Reductase Isozymes and Aromatase mRNA Levels in Plucked Hair from Young Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

January 2018 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Paula Sánchez, Cristina Serrano-Falcón, Juan P. Torres, S. Serrano, E. Velasco Ortega

5α-reductase aromatase mRNA female pattern hair loss androgens estrogen metabolism hair follicle 5α-R isozymes FPHL

TLDR Higher enzyme levels found in women with hair loss, suggesting hormone imbalance.

The study aimed to investigate the role of androgens in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and proposed a low-invasive method for the quantification of mRNA levels of aromatase and 5α-reductase isozymes in plucked hair from young women with FPHL. The study found that the mRNA levels of 5α-R isozymes and aromatase were significantly higher in women with FPHL compared to controls, suggesting that androgen and estrogen metabolism in the hair follicle and the involvement of the key enzymes 5α-R and aromatase may be responsible for its androgen/estrogen ratio. The study highlights the need for a proper diagnosis of FPHL to improve treatment effectiveness and minimize adverse effects.

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