Estimation of Serum Aldosterone, Free Testosterone, and DHEA-S and Scalp Androgen and Aldosterone Receptors in Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Is the Mystery Solved?

May 2013 in “ Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print) ”

Noha Nagui, Naglaa S. Zaki, Amany Z. El-Ramly, Laila A. Rashed, Tahany R. Elias, Eman Shaalan

aldosterone free testosterone DHEA-S androgenetic alopecia aldosterone receptors skin biopsy pathogenesis hypertension AGA

Studysummary In this study, elevated serum levels of aldosterone and free testosterone, along with increased androgen and aldosterone receptor levels, were associated with early-onset androgenetic alopecia in female patients. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study investigated the role of aldosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA-S in female androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study found that serum levels of aldosterone and free testosterone were significantly higher in female patients with AGA compared to controls. Additionally, levels of aldosterone and aldosterone receptors were significantly higher in skin biopsy specimens taken from involved areas in comparison with non-involved areas and controls, indicating the suggested role of these hormones and their receptors in the pathogenesis of AGA. The study recommends routinely determining aldosterone levels in AGA to identify patients prone to development of hypertension and further studies to verify the mechanism by which aldosterone and its receptor induce AGA.

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