Alterations in Androgen Conjugate Levels in Women and Men with Alopecia

In 1994, a study was conducted to examine androgen metabolite levels in individuals with alopecia. The study included 10 female controls, 50 hyperandrogenic women (with subgroups based on hirsutism and alopecia), 10 normal men, and 10 young men with premature balding. The results indicated that hyperandrogenic women, both with and without alopecia, had elevated levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS compared to controls. Women with androgenic alopecia showed higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased 5α-reductase activity and a preference for sulfurylation over glucuronidation in androgen metabolism. Men with premature balding had lower levels of 3α-androstanediol glucuronide, also pointing to altered androgen conjugation. The study concluded that both increased 5α-reductase activity and changes in androgen conjugation may play a role in the development of androgenic alopecia.