Hormonal Parameters in Androgenetic Hair Loss in Males

In the 1991 study involving 65 male patients with androgenetic alopecia and 58 age-matched controls, researchers found significant differences in the levels of androstenedione, cortisol, 17B-estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) between those with hair loss and those without. The elevated androstenedione levels suggest its role as a precursor to more active androgens in hair loss, while the increased cortisol levels point to a possible stress component in the condition. Additionally, higher estradiol and LH levels in patients with hair loss may be attributed to the peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogens and the modulation of LH release. These findings indicate that peripheral androgen metabolism, adrenal activity, and stress might contribute to male pattern hair loss, and that cortisol and estradiol levels could help identify patients who may benefit from treatments targeting adrenal function.