Investigating the Effect of Hormonal Alterations on Male Pattern Hair Loss A Longitudinal Study

Authors

  • Shilpa Gopinath  MD, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ
  • Swarnagowri BN  MD, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST1634118

Keywords:

Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), Androgenetic Alopecia, Hormonal Alterations, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Finasteride, Hair Follicle Miniaturization, Longitudinal Study, Androgen Receptors, Cortisol Levels, Hair Density

Abstract

Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL) is a subset of androgenetic alopecia and represents the most prevalent form of hair loss in men, whose prevalence increases significantly with age worldwide. It is caused mainly by hormonal changes, especially high levels of dihydrotestosterone, which causes miniaturization of hair follicles and progressive thinning of hair. This longitudinal study investigates the complex relationship between hormonal changes and MPHL development over a period of three years, offering an extensive examination of androgen activity, stress-related hormones, and their influence on hair follicle biology. A total of 120 participants with a diagnosis of early-stage MPHL were assigned to one of three groups: finasteride treatment, placebo, and control. Serum levels of DHT, testosterone, and cortisol were measured biannually, while hair density and follicular changes were monitored using advanced scalp imaging techniques. Participants also self-reported their experiences related to treatment efficacy and psychosocial impacts. The findings revealed a significant reduction in DHT levels among finasteride-treated participants, correlating with improved hair density and partial reversal of follicular miniaturization. In contrast, placebo and control groups showed a steady progression of hair loss, confirming the critical role of DHT in MPHL. While finasteride was effective, its side effects, such as reduced libido and fatigue, emphasized the need for safer, long-term therapies. The study also pointed out the interplay between stress-induced cortisol elevations and hair loss, therefore suggesting potential benefits from combined therapeutic approaches targeting both androgens and systemic stress. This study contributes to the knowledge on MPHL pathophysiology, with a focus on the role of hormonal profiling in clinical management. It also presents future research on alternative therapies and individualized treatment approaches by pointing out both the benefits and limitations of current treatments. These findings are important in emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing MPHL in terms of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors in order to improve the quality and outcomes of life.

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

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Published

2016-12-25

Issue

Volume 2, Issue 6 , November-December-2016

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Research Articles

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How to Cite

[1]
Shilpa Gopinath, Swarnagowri BN "Investigating the Effect of Hormonal Alterations on Male Pattern Hair Loss A Longitudinal Study" International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Online ISSN : 2395-602X, Print ISSN : 2395-6011,Volume 2, Issue 6 , pp.740-749, November-December-2016. Available at doi : https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRST1634118