The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia in children: Considerations of pathophysiological plausibility
June 2019
in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”
TLDR AGA in children needs careful diagnosis due to low androgen levels and possible other causes.
This article discusses the pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in children. AGA is caused by sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens, with the most significant association being Stu 1 polymorphism. Prepubertal children do not usually produce sufficient amounts of adrenal or gonadal androgens, so other abnormalities should be taken into account before diagnosing AGA. Hyperandrogenism is most commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but can also be seen with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting neoplasias and exogenous exposure to androgens. AGA in women requires special attention as its pathogenesis is less clearly linked to androgens.
View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →
Cited in this study
research Androgens and androgen receptor action in skin and hair follicles
Male hormones and their receptors play a key role in hair loss and skin health, with potential new treatments being explored.
research American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Disease State Clinical Review: Guide to the Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Part 1
The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.
research Polycystic ovary syndrome: A review for dermatologists
Dermatologists play a key role in treating skin symptoms of PCOS like dark patches, excess hair, acne, and hair loss.
research Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia in Children
The guide explains how to identify and treat children's hair loss, including fungal infections, autoimmune disorders, hairstyle changes, self-correcting conditions, and behavioral therapy for hair-pulling.
research Prevalence of androgenic alopecia in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and characterization of associated clinical and biochemical features
Women with PCOS often have hair loss, which is linked to acne or excess body hair but not to worse hormone or metabolic issues.
research Androgenetic alopecia: An update
Minoxidil and finasteride effectively treat hair loss.
research Familial Androgenetic Alopecia in Siblings with Normal Endocrinological Status
Two young siblings experienced hair loss without hormone issues or other skin problems.
research Female pattern hair loss in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
Hair loss in women may have causes other than hormones.
research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and management
The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.
research Hormones and the pilosebaceous unit
Hormones significantly affect hair and oil gland function in the skin, and more research is needed on skin-related hormone disorders.
research Sexual Hormones in Human Skin
Human skin makes sexual hormones that affect hair growth, skin health, and healing; too much can cause acne and hair loss, while treatments can manage these conditions.
research Androgenetic alopecia in children: report of 20 cases
AGA can occur in children with family history; early diagnosis and treatment important.
research Androgenetic alopecia in men aged 40-69 years: prevalence and risk factors
Hair loss increases with age; alcohol raises risk, more female partners lowers it.
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 Teloptosis, a Turning Point in Hair Shedding Biorhythms
Teloptosis is a key point in hair loss that could help in creating prevention-focused hair care strategies.
research The Biology of Hair Follicles
Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
research Androgen-Dependent Beard Dermal Papilla Cells Secrete Autocrine Growth Factor(s) in Response to Testosterone Unlike Scalp Cells
Beard cells, unlike scalp cells, produce growth factors in response to testosterone, which may explain differences in hair growth.
research ANDROGEN METABOLISM AS IT AFFECTS HAIR GROWTH IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Too much androgen can cause hair loss; finasteride may help.
research Androgens and human hair growth
Related
research The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia in children: Considerations of pathophysiological plausibility
AGA in children needs careful diagnosis due to low androgen levels and possible other causes.