Global Sex Disparities in Lifetime Risk of Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study, 1990 to 2021

September 2025 in “ Biology of Sex Differences ”

Jiachen Sun, Yuhao Li, Zhenzhen Ye, Shengfeng Wang, Wenhui Wang

alopecia areata AA sex disparities lifetime risk socioeconomic development age-related risk

Studysummary This analysis found that females have a higher lifetime risk of alopecia areata across various regions and time periods, with increased risk associated with higher socio-demographic index levels. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study systematically analyzed global sex disparities in the lifetime risk of alopecia areata (AA) from 1990 to 2021, finding that females consistently have a higher risk than males, with a stable female-to-male risk ratio of approximately 1.9. By 2021, the lifetime risk was nearly 32% for females and 17% for males, with projections to rise to 34% and 19% by 2050. Females have a broader age-related risk window (20–50 years) and a slower decline in risk with age compared to males (20–30 years). Socioeconomic development further elevates the risk for females more than males, particularly in high-income regions. These findings highlight the need for sex-specific strategies in AA prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, considering the influence of social and economic factors on these disparities.

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This review discusses psychological treatments for alopecia, finding limited but positive effects on mental health, quality of life, and possibly hair growth; however, more research is needed to establish intervention efficacy.

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research Epidemiological Trends in Alopecia Areata at the Global, Regional, and National Levels

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research Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

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This review discusses the effects of hormonal changes on hair follicles, concluding that hormones like androgens and estradiol significantly influence hair growth and cycle, while the roles of other hormones are still being researched.

research Association of Cicatricial Alopecia with Chemical Hair Straightening

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research Cyclosporine for Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety

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research Female Pattern Alopecia: Current Perspectives

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