TLDR Men with male-pattern baldness have higher levels of certain testosterone metabolites and may have more active androgen metabolism.
In a 2002 study, researchers analyzed urinary steroid metabolites in 23 men with androgenic alopecia and compared them to 7 age-matched healthy controls. They discovered significantly higher levels of testosterone metabolites, including androsterone and etiocholanolone, as well as increased levels of 16-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol in the alopecia group, while cortisol metabolite levels were unchanged. An increased total 5α/5β metabolite ratio indicated higher 5α-reductase enzyme activity in patients. The elevated 16-OHD levels suggested possible mild hyperadrenal activity in some patients. These results suggest that increased androgen metabolism and 5α-reductase activity play a role in male-pattern baldness.
16 citations,
March 2000 in “Clinical Biochemistry” Women with hair loss had higher levels of certain hormones, suggesting a link to a condition like PCOS.
24 citations,
October 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility” People with hair loss may have different levels of certain hormones due to changes in hormone processing.
21 citations,
January 1991 in “Dermatology” Men with male pattern hair loss have different levels of certain hormones compared to men without hair loss.
51 citations,
January 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Men with male-pattern baldness have more androgen receptors in their scalp's oil glands, which may contribute to hair loss.
29 citations,
September 1983 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Men with hair loss have lower SHBG and higher saliva testosterone levels, suggesting increased androgen activity.
July 1998 in “Chromatographia” Women with effluvium have higher levels of certain urinary steroids, possibly due to stress and increased adrenal activity.
3 citations,
May 1990 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Some women with excess hair growth have a hormone condition that can't be diagnosed by blood or urine tests alone.
2 citations,
December 2020 in “Phytomedicine plus” Taking Saw palmetto and Pygeum africana can change the levels of certain steroids in urine, which could cause confusion in doping tests.
77 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that accurate measurement of serum androgens is crucial for diagnosing hyperandrogenism.
137 citations,
March 2006 in “Cns Drug Reviews” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and hair loss, but may cause side effects in some patients.
