Faculty Opinions Recommendation of Androgenetic Alopecia as an Early Marker of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    Gerhard Haidl
    Image of study
    TLDR Early hair loss in men could be a sign of non-cancerous prostate enlargement, and treating hair loss early might help prevent prostate issues later.
    In 2012, Arias-Santiago et al. conducted an observational case-control study on 87 men, 45 of whom had early onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 42 were control subjects. The study found that patients with AGA had significantly higher mean prostate volume, international prostate symptom score, and prostatic-specific antigen value, as well as significantly lower maximum urinary flow compared to control subjects. No significant difference was found in total testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin, but free testosterone levels were higher in the alopecia group. The study suggested that AGA could be an early marker of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), both of which are androgen-dependent diseases. The authors proposed the idea of treating early onset alopecia with 5-alpha blockers like finasteride, which could potentially prevent later prostatic disease. However, they also noted the need for future studies to confirm these results and to consider potential effects of finasteride on fertility.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  83 upvotes 2 years ago
      The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

      community Dermatologist told me to quit fin after turning 40

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  194 upvotes 1 year ago
      A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results