The Association of Androgenetic Alopecia and Insulin Resistance Is Independent of Hyperandrogenemia: A Case-Control Study

August 2016 in “ Australasian Journal of Dermatology ”

Demet Kartal, Murat Borlu, Sezgi Çınar, Ayten Ferahbaş, Yılmaz Ulaş, Kursad Unluhizarci, Umit Uksal, Fahrettin Kelestimur

androgenetic alopecia insulin resistance hyperandrogenemia diabetes mellitus AGA IR DM

TLDR Hair loss is linked to insulin resistance in women, regardless of hormone levels.

This study found that there is a significant association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and insulin resistance (IR) in women, independent of hyperandrogenemia. The study included 77 women with AGA and found that all IR parameters were significantly higher in the study subjects without diabetes mellitus (DM) than in the control group. The study suggests that AGA may be a marker for IR, and that early detection and treatment of IR may prevent or delay the onset of AGA.

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Research cited in this study

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Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Well-Being Among a 63-Year-Old Cohort of Women With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Finnish Population-Based Study

research Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Well-Being Among a 63-Year-Old Cohort of Women With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Finnish Population-Based Study

24 citations, August 2005 in “Health and Quality of Life Outcomes”

Women with androgenetic alopecia experience worse physical well-being and quality of life, but similar mental health compared to those without it.

research Hair Loss, Insulin Resistance, and Heredity in Middle-Aged Women: A Population-Based Study

49 citations, June 2003 in “European journal of cardiovascular prevention & rehabilitation”

Hair loss in middle-aged women is often linked to insulin resistance and a family history of hair loss, particularly from their fathers.

research Molecular Mechanisms of Androgenetic Alopecia

229 citations, August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology”

AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

226 citations, September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.

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community Proposed new pathogenesis model for androgenetic alopecia (AGA)

in Research/Science 8 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Hair started thinning and found out i have high cortisol and thyroid issues

in Treatment 8 upvotes 5 months ago

User experienced hair thinning due to high cortisol and thyroid issues, along with insulin resistance. They are taking magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and selenium as supplements.

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The person is experiencing sudden hair loss for six months and treatments like dutasteride, minoxidil, and vitamins are not working. Another person suggests the hair loss might not be androgenetic alopecia but could be telogen effluvium or an inflammatory condition.

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in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community POST ACCUTANE HAIR LOSS- Please help and leave your experiences and suggestions

in Female 10 upvotes 3 years ago

A user named Medical_Opinion8120, a 23-year-old female, is experiencing hair loss potentially due to a past accutane course. She has tried minoxidil without success and is currently taking iron and zinc supplements.

community AA and Hirsutism but T levels are normal

in Female 8 upvotes 3 years ago

27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

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research Skin Manifestations of Insulin Resistance: From a Biochemical Stance to a Clinical Diagnosis and Management

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Frequency, Severity, and Related Factors of Androgenetic Alopecia in Dermatology Outpatient Clinic: Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

research Frequency, Severity, and Related Factors of Androgenetic Alopecia in Dermatology Outpatient Clinic: Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

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