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Could
a hormone imbalance be responsible for androgenetic alopecia
Yes sometimes. hormone imbalance can be involved in androgenetic
alopecia. Women after menopause may have a net drop in the androgen
antagonist estrogen and are much more susceptible to onset of pattern
baldness. Other women can produce high levels of androgens making
them more susceptible as occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
for example.
However, most androgenetic alopecia is idiopathic in nature. There
is no detectable hormone imbalance causing the onset of hair loss
and blood tests show nothing out of the ordinary. Because of this
some dermatologists are very reluctant to treat androgenetic alopecia
with hormone based treatments. They may regard such treatments as
beyond their "domain" and more endocrinological than dermatological.
This attitude is not helpful for those seeking treatment.
Some dermatologists, particularly in Europe, are more positive
about using hormone therapies for pattern baldness in women. There
are systemic antiandrogen treatments or hormone supplements available
for women, but they are not generally suitable for men to use because
of severe side effects. In the future some topical hormone treatments
may also be available for men with androgenetic hair loss.
Could
a hormone imbalance be responsible for androgenetic alopecia references
- Zaun
H, Ludwig E.Dermatologic indications for anti-androgenic treatment.
Z Hautkr. 1978 Nov 1;53(21):759-65.
- Orfanos
CE, Vogels L. Local therapy of androgenetic alopecia with 17 alpha-estradiol.
A controlled, randomized double-blind study. Dermatologica. 1980;161(2):124-32.
- Schindler AE. Anti-androgen therapy in
the female. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1990 Oct;50(10):749-53.
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