The association of androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance is independent of hyperandrogenemia: A case-control study
August 2016
in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”
TLDR Hair loss is linked to insulin resistance in women, regardless of hormone levels.
This study found that there is a significant association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and insulin resistance (IR) in women, independent of hyperandrogenemia. The study included 77 women with AGA and found that all IR parameters were significantly higher in the study subjects without diabetes mellitus (DM) than in the control group. The study suggests that AGA may be a marker for IR, and that early detection and treatment of IR may prevent or delay the onset of AGA.
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Cited in this study
research Health-related quality of life and physical well-being among a 63-year-old cohort of women with androgenetic alopecia; a Finnish population-based study
Women with androgenetic alopecia experience worse physical well-being and quality of life, but similar mental health compared to those without it.
research Hair Loss, Insulin Resistance, and Heredity in Middle-aged Women. a Population-based Study
Hair loss in middle-aged women is often linked to insulin resistance and a family history of hair loss, particularly from their fathers.
research Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia
AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.
research Female pattern hair loss
Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.