TLDR ESR2 gene variations may be linked to female pattern hair loss.
This study examined the association between estrogen receptor beta gene (ESR2) polymorphisms and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) using a case-control sample of 484 cases and 471 controls. The results suggest that variation in ESR2 may be associated with FPHL, with the lowest P-values observed for rs10137185, rs17101774, and rs2022748. The study supports the conclusion that estrogen may influence FPHL risk via genetic variation in the estrogen pathway. The findings provide an impetus for further investigating the role of estrogens and examining other genes within the sex steroid pathway in FPHL.
321 citations
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December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.
77 citations
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April 2009 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Aromatase gene variation may increase female hair loss risk.
140 citations
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October 2008 in “Nature Genetics” 
137 citations
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July 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontally sectioned scalp biopsies are more reliable for diagnosing hair loss in women when three samples are taken instead of one.
4 citations
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December 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology” ESR2 gene linked to female-pattern hair loss.
33 citations
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November 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” FPHL common in Taiwanese women; risk factors include BMI, high glucose, early puberty, fewer childbirths, oral contraceptives, and UV exposure.
November 2020 in “Skin Research and Technology” Videodermoscopy better identifies female hair loss than clinical diagnosis.
7 citations
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May 2019 in “Journal of the Formosan Medical Association” HSD3B1 gene variant and being overweight linked to hair loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
21 citations
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December 2013 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” No link found between new male baldness genes and female hair loss.
