TLDR Women with androgenic alopecia are more likely to have polycystic ovaries and higher androgen levels, which may indicate PCOS.
The 2003 study involving 89 women with androgenic alopecia and 73 control women found that a significantly higher proportion of women with alopecia had polycystic ovaries (67% vs. 27%) and hirsutism (21% vs. 4%). Women with alopecia also exhibited higher levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and free androgen index, suggesting an association with hyperandrogenemia. Despite most having normal androgen levels, the presence of elevated androgen metabolism indices pointed to a strong link between androgenic alopecia and PCO. The findings imply that androgenic alopecia may be an indicator of PCOS, which is important for patient management due to the associated risk of type 2 diabetes.
1947 citations,
September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.
135 citations,
August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
666 citations,
September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
April 2021 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences” Women with PCOS have higher levels of certain androgens, which are good at predicting excess hair growth.
84 citations,
November 2003 in “European journal of endocrinology” Women with androgenic alopecia are more likely to have polycystic ovaries and higher androgen levels, which may indicate PCOS.
32 citations,
January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.
