Female Androgenic Alopecia
September 1986
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
female androgenic alopecia serum levels precursor androgens sex hormone binding globulin SHBG 3a, 178-androstanediol glucuronide 3a-diol G androgen excess genetically sensitive hair bulbs female pattern baldness hirsutism acne virilism hair follicles female pattern baldness SHBG androgen excess hair follicles
TLDR Women with low SHBG levels and a high 3a-diol G to SHBG ratio are likely to experience female pattern baldness, possibly due to a slight excess of androgens affecting sensitive hair bulbs.
In 1986, a study involving 25 women aged 21 to 64 with female alopecia was conducted to evaluate the serum levels of precursor androgens and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The results indicated that women with an increased 3a, 178-androstanediol glucuronide/sex hormone binding globulin ratio and low serum SHBG were likely to have female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss could be due to minimal androgen excess affecting genetically sensitive hair bulbs, without other signs of maximal androgen excess like hirsutism, acne, or virilism. The study suggested that low SHBG level and an increased ratio of 3a-diol G to SHBG are characteristic for the female pattern type of hair loss in young women. The document emphasized the need for further research on the role of androgens and their relationship to genetic factors in hair follicles of balding women.
