Gonadal Profile in Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Syndrome Exist?

The study conducted from January 2014 to June 2016 involved 44 men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 37 healthy men as controls. The research aimed to evaluate the gonadal function and metabolic/hormonal features of men with early-onset AGA and identify parameters that may suggest a male equivalent of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The results showed that men with early-onset AGA and at least one of the following parameters: BMI >25 kg/m2, insulin resistance, or SHBG <25 nmol/l, had higher levels of insulin and LH, lower total testosterone levels, and a smaller left testicular volume. These men also had a higher fat-mass percentage, DHEAS, and seminal fluid volume, suggesting they might have a greater risk of developing gonadal dysfunction later in life. These findings could be used to suspect the male PCOS-equivalent among men with early-onset AGA.