Express: Free Androgen Index and Its Relation With Female Pattern Hair Loss

May 2025 in “ Journal of Investigative Medicine ”

Rania H. Mahmoud, Shaimaa Thabet, Mai Ashraf Hosni

Free Androgen Index female pattern hair loss Androgenetic Alopecia Testosterone sex hormone binding globulin hyperandrogenism FAI AGA SHBG

TLDR FAI is a better marker for predicting female hair loss than testosterone or SHBG alone.

This study investigated the relationship between Free Androgen Index (FAI) and female pattern hair loss, known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), by comparing 40 women with AGA to 40 healthy controls. The researchers measured serum concentrations of Testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to calculate FAI. Results showed significant differences in testosterone and FAI levels between the AGA group and controls, with SHBG levels higher in controls. FAI was found to be a more effective biomarker for predicting hyperandrogenism than testosterone or SHBG alone, suggesting its potential as a vital marker for AGA in females. The study recommends incorporating FAI in routine evaluations for women with AGA.

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