The Impact of Levothyroxine on Thyroid Autoimmunity and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid Axis Activity in Men with Autoimmune Hypothyroidism and Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia

The study investigated the effects of levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity in men with autoimmune hypothyroidism, comparing those with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (n=24) to those without hair loss (n=24). Results showed that while levothyroxine decreased thyroid antibody titres and thyrotropin levels and increased free thyroid hormone levels in both groups, these effects were less pronounced in men with early-onset male-pattern baldness. The degree of reduction in antibody titres and thyrotropin levels correlated with baseline testosterone levels and insulin sensitivity. The study concludes that levothyroxine therapy benefits are less pronounced in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia.