Assessment of Androgenic Hormones and Other Risk Factors in Egyptian Males With Early Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: A Case Control Study

March 2025 in “ Archives of Dermatological Research ”

Manal A. Sharara, Esraa M. Elfeki, Naziha Hafez Khafagy

androgenetic alopecia sex hormone binding globulin total testosterone dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate free androgen index AGA SHBG TS DHEA-S FAI

TLDR Early-onset hair loss in Egyptian males is linked to genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors like smoking and diet.

This case control study of 40 Egyptian males with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 40 healthy controls found that early-onset AGA is linked to a strong family history, smoking, coffee intake, hair straightener use, fast-food diets, and recent weight gain. Affected individuals showed significantly lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and higher levels of total testosterone (TS), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and free androgen index (FAI) compared to controls. The study suggests that early-onset AGA is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient advice and management.

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