Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Saliva Testosterone Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

September 1983 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Cipriani R, G. Ruzza, Carlo Foresta, C. Veller Fornasa, Andrea Peserico

sex hormone-binding globulin SHBG plasma testosterone saliva testosterone androgenetic alopecia androgens testosterone baldness

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.

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research Low Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin Levels in Young Women with Diffuse Hair Loss

40 citations, March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Young women with diffuse hair loss may have low SHBG levels, which could lead to more active testosterone and contribute to their hair loss.

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research Plasma C19 Steroid Sulfate Levels and Indices of Androgen Bioavailability in Female Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

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.