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What
hormonal variations should women with androgenetic alopecia be tested
for ?
Androgen induced pattern alopecia in women can sometimes be an
indicator of other systemic diseases. Any woman with androgenetic
hair loss may wish to consult with their doctor about potential
systemic causes for their hair loss. In particular, women with pattern
baldness may wish to be examined for polycystic ovarian disease
(PCOS), and/or late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Both these conditions are potential promoters of androgenetic alopecia.
Each can be treated successfully and, in turn, treating these conditions
may help with improved hair growth. Testing for underlying hormonal
causes of pattern baldness involves blood screening for hormone
such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, androstenedione,
prolactin, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing
hormone (LH).
Many women with androgenetic alopecia do not have PCOS or congenital
adrenal hyperplasia. However, it is important to rule out these
potential causes of androgenetic alopecia, especially as they may
be life threatening or disabling if left undiagnosed and when they
can be successfully treated. Other rare causes of androgenetic alopecia
in women include androgen-secreting neoplasms, non-classic adrenal
hyperplasia, virilizing tumors, or Cushing syndrome.
What
hormonal variations should women with androgenetic alopecia be tested
for references
- Tosti
A, Camacho-Martinez F, Dawber R. Management of androgenetic alopecia.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 1999 May;12(3):205-14.
- Redmond
GP. Androgenic disorders of women: diagnostic and therapeutic
decision making. Am J Med. 1995 Jan 16;98(1A):120S-129S
- Redmond
GP, Bergfeld WF. Diagnostic approach to androgen disorders in
women: acne, hirsutism, and alopecia. Cleve Clin J Med. 1990 Jul-Aug;57(5):423-7.
- Bjorntorp
P. The android woman--a risky condition. J Intern Med. 1996 Feb;239(2):105-10.
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