Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Is Associated With Androgenetic Alopecia in Adults With Stronger Effects in Women and Unhealthy Lifestyles

November 2025 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Sina Bazmi, Mohammad Saeed Soleimani Meigoli, Mohammadreza Fardaei, zahra Mohammadi, Reza Homayounfar, Maryam Kazemi, Babak Pezeshki, Mojtaba Farjam

androgenetic alopecia metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease insulin resistance inflammation lipid-lowering therapy AGA MASLD

TLDR Liver disease is linked to hair loss, especially in women and those with unhealthy lifestyles.

This study investigated the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in a cohort of 7,993 adults aged 35-70. The findings revealed that MASLD is linked to a 31% increased likelihood of AGA, with a stronger effect observed in women (OR = 1.62) compared to the general population (OR = 1.31). The risk was further elevated in individuals with high carbohydrate intake, low physical activity, and those not on lipid-lowering therapy. The association between MASLD and AGA was independent of dietary intake, insulin resistance, and inflammation, emphasizing the need for metabolic evaluation in AGA patients, especially women and those with unhealthy lifestyles.

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