Hyposecretion of the Adrenal Androgen Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) in the Majority of Alopecia Areata Patients: Is It a Primitive and Pathogenic Perturbation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis?

    January 2011 in “ International journal of trichology ”
    Francesco Domenico D’Ovidio, Francesco Domenico D’Ovidio
    TLDR Low DHEA-S levels might be linked to alopecia areata and could be a potential treatment target.
    The study investigated the basal serum levels of four hormones in 142 alopecia areata patients and found that while prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol levels were normal, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were significantly reduced in the majority of patients compared to controls. This reduction was observed in 69.1% of males and 74.7% of females, suggesting a potential primitive deficit in DHEA-S production. The findings indicated that low DHEA-S secretion might be linked to the pathogenesis of alopecia areata and could be indicative of chronic stress response. Preliminary therapeutic data suggested that normalizing DHEA-S levels might be beneficial for some patients, warranting further investigation into DHEA supplementation as a treatment for severe chronic/relapsing alopecia areata.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    2 / 2 results

      community Please take a vitamin & hormone test

      in Chat  256 upvotes 1 week ago
      Checking vitamin and hormone levels is important for addressing hair loss, as deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and iron can affect hair growth. Treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamin supplements are used, but addressing deficiencies is crucial for effectiveness.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Hair Loss and Hirsutism in the Elderly

      research Hair Loss and Hirsutism in the Elderly

      22 citations, February 2002 in “Clinics in Geriatric Medicine”
      Many elderly women experience unwanted facial hair and various hair loss conditions, with treatments available for each condition.
      Alopecia: Managing the Basics

      research Alopecia: Managing the Basics

      July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”
      The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excess body hair are available, but managing expectations is important.

      research Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles

      102 citations, July 2020 in “International journal of molecular sciences”
      Hormones like testosterone and estrogen significantly affect hair growth and structure.