Urinary steroids in men with male-pattern alopecia
October 2002
in “Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods”
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.
View this study on doi.org →
Cited in this study
research Urinary steroids in women with androgenic alopecia
Women with hair loss had higher levels of certain hormones, suggesting a link to a condition like PCOS.
research Alterations in androgen conjugate levels in women and men with alopecia
People with hair loss may have different levels of certain hormones due to changes in hormone processing.
research Hormonal Parameters in Androgenetic Hair Loss in the Male
Men with male pattern hair loss have different levels of certain hormones compared to men without hair loss.
research Increased Androgen Binding Capacity in Sebaceous Glands in Scalp of Male-pattern Baldness
Men with male-pattern baldness have more androgen receptors in their scalp's oil glands, which may contribute to hair loss.
research Sex hormone-binding globulin and saliva testosterone levels in men with androgenetic alopecia
Men with hair loss have lower SHBG and higher saliva testosterone levels, suggesting increased androgen activity.