Is Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia Associated With Metabolic Syndrome? A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

January 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Sheena Majella, Vijay Aithal

androgenetic alopecia metabolic syndrome triglycerides HDL cholesterol AGA MetS

Studysummary This study reported that among young males with early-onset androgenetic alopecia, there is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, particularly in those with severe hair loss, indicating a potential need for early screening and lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks.

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This study examined the link between early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 100 young Indian males, finding a 63% prevalence of MetS, particularly in those with severe AGA (83%). Significant associations were noted between severe AGA and factors like increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL cholesterol. The study suggests that young males with severe AGA should be screened early for cardiovascular risk factors, although it lacked a control group and couldn't assess the temporal relationship between AGA and MetS. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings.

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research Association of Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia and Metabolic Syndrome

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research Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia in China: A Descriptive Study of a Large Outpatient Cohort

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This study reported that early-onset androgenetic alopecia primarily affects Chinese males aged 21–30, with a high likelihood of paternal inheritance.

research Association of Androgenetic Alopecia with Metabolic Syndrome: A Case-Control Study on 100 Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

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This study found that patients with androgenetic alopecia had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to healthy controls.

research Genetics and Other Factors in the Etiology of Female Pattern Hair Loss

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This review summarizes the genetic studies on female pattern hair loss, highlighting the lack of clearly identified susceptibility loci and suggesting distinct aetiological differences from male pattern hair loss.

research Metabolic Syndrome in Androgenic Alopecia

16 citations , January 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that men with early-onset androgenic alopecia had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to controls without the condition.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

88 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This article reviews recent advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia, focusing on new genetic insights, stem cell roles, and diagnostic tools, without reporting new clinical results.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men and Women: A Comparative Study

110 citations , July 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Hair loss linked to higher heart disease risk in both men and women.

research Evaluation of Lipid Levels in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Control Group

27 citations , March 2008 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Men with a certain type of hair loss (AGA) have higher bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol levels, making them more likely to get heart disease.

Targeted Skin Overexpression of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Mice Causes Epidermal Atrophy, Premature Skin Barrier Formation, Eye Abnormalities, and Alopecia

research Targeted Skin Overexpression of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Mice Causes Epidermal Atrophy, Premature Skin Barrier Formation, Eye Abnormalities, and Alopecia

67 citations , August 2007 in “American Journal of Pathology”

This study found that overexpression of the mineralocorticoid receptor in a mouse model led to premature epidermal barrier development, keratinocyte apoptosis, and postnatal alopecia, indicating new roles for MR signaling in skin physiology.

research Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia in an Indian Context: A Perspective Study

28 citations , March 2007 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, researchers found that the existing Norwood and Hamilton classifications for androgenetic alopecia in Indian males had significant limitations, with 18% of cases not fitting into existing pattern categories.

research Early Androgenetic Alopecia as a Marker of Insulin Resistance

115 citations , September 2000 in “The Lancet”

Early hair loss may indicate risk of insulin resistance.