Androgenetic Alopecia as an Early Marker of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

This study found that early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may be an early marker of urinary/prostatic symptomatology. Patients with AGA had a larger prostate, lower urinary flow value, and higher International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in comparison with individuals without AGA. AGA was found to be an independent risk factor for a prostate volume greater than 30 mL, urinary flow less than 15 mL/s, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study suggests that dermatologists and primary care physicians should monitor patients with early-onset AGA for the development of urinary symptoms to permit an earlier diagnosis.