Steroid Chemistry and Hormone Controls During the Hair Follicle Cycle

    December 1991 in “ Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences ”
    Marty E. Sawaya
    TLDR Differences in enzyme activity and androgen receptors in hair follicles may explain why hair loss appears differently in men and women.
    The study explored the role of steroid enzymes in human hair follicles, particularly in transforming weak androgens into more potent ones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which are involved in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It was found that while the kinetic constants of enzymes such as hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, 5a-reductase, and aromatase did not differ between bald and thick hair follicles, the specific activity levels varied significantly between frontal and occipital hair follicles. Additionally, differences in androgen receptor content and activation factors were observed between men and women. These variations may account for the different clinical presentations of AGA in men and women and could influence future treatment strategies.
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