Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Saliva Testosterone Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia
September 1983
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Men with hair loss have lower SHBG and higher saliva testosterone levels, suggesting increased androgen activity.
This research study investigated the levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), plasma testosterone, and saliva testosterone in 64 men with androgenetic alopecia and 40 males without alopecia. The results showed that SHBG levels were significantly lower in bald men than in controls and saliva testosterone levels were significantly higher in bald men compared to controls. However, plasma testosterone levels did not differ between the two groups. These findings suggest an increase in active fraction of androgens in people with androgenetic alopecia.
