TLDR Men with early hair loss may have a higher risk of enlarged prostate and possibly prostate cancer due to shared hormonal factors.
The document from 2012 explores the connection between premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as the debated link with prostate cancer. AGA, a common hair loss condition in men, is influenced by genetics and androgens, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A case-control study mentioned in the text indicates that men with early onset AGA tend to have larger prostates and more urinary symptoms, implying that AGA could be an early indicator of BPH. While some research suggests a possible association between AGA and prostate cancer, the evidence is inconsistent. The document also discusses the use of finasteride, a treatment for AGA, noting that despite concerns about a higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer, recent reviews deem it safe. The shared androgen-related pathophysiology is proposed as the reason for the links between AGA, BPH, and potentially prostate cancer.
28 citations,
August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Early hair loss may indicate prostate issues.
9 citations,
September 2010 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Finasteride for hair loss is safe and does not increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
100 citations,
April 2010 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” Hair loss in men treated best with early medication or transplant, new treatments researched.
53 citations,
March 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia common in teens, may indicate endocrine issue, minoxidil effective treatment.
126 citations,
January 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Baldness is more common in Chinese men than women, increasing with age, and is influenced by genetics.
203 citations,
December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Early diagnosis and treatment, using finasteride, minoxidil, or hair transplantation, improves hair loss outcomes.
218 citations,
December 2011 in “Advances in Urology” The document concludes that the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes are important in steroid metabolism and related to various human diseases, with inhibitors used to treat conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate issues.
11 citations,
April 2013 in “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” Monascus helps prevent baldness, prostate issues, and may be a natural alternative to medications.
21 citations,
May 2021 in “Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases” COVID-19 might worsen symptoms and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia, possibly due to inflammation and metabolic disturbances in the prostate gland. More research is needed to confirm this.
September 2022 in “Frontiers in Immunology” Anti-androgen therapy may boost immunity but increases injection site pain in vaccinated patients.
3 citations,
September 2023 in “International journal of impotence research” Post-finasteride syndrome causes lasting sexual, mental, and physical issues, needing more research for solutions.