Female androgenic alopecia. The 3 alpha,17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide/sex hormone binding globulin ratio as a possible marker for female pattern baldness

The study examined 25 women with female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness to identify hormone markers associated with these conditions. The researchers found that women with a high ratio of 3α,17β-androstanediol glucuronide to sex hormone binding globulin and low levels of serum sex hormone binding globulin were more likely to have female pattern baldness. This type of baldness may be caused by minimal androgen excess affecting genetically sensitive hair bulbs, even in the absence of other signs of androgen excess like hirsutism or acne.