Association of Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia and Metabolic Syndrome in Thai Men: A Case-Control Study
Nopparat Pengsalae MD*, Chuchai Tanglertsampan MD*, Thanapat Phichawong MD*, Saridpong Lee MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Dermatology, School of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang Hospital (Bangkok), Bangkok, Thailand
Background : There are many studies of the association between early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and metabolic
syndrome (MS), which is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the results are inconsistent. There
is no study in a Thai population.
Objective : To evaluate the association of early-onset AGA and metabolic syndrome in Thai male patients.
Material and Method: Patients were recruited from the check-up clinic. There were 80 male subjects: 40 with a diagnosis
of early-onset AGA (before 35 years of age) and 40 control subjects without alopecia. Data from medical records,
self-administered forms, and interview were collected and analyzed.
Results : Patients with early-onset AGA had the 3.48-fold higher risk of metabolic syndrome than in a control group
(p = 0.015, odd ratio = 3.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-9.75). There was no relationship between AGA severity and
metabolic syndrome (p = 0.629). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of metabolic syndrome
parameter.
Conclusion : The present study found the association between early onset AGA and metabolic syndrome in Thai men. Early
detection of metabolic syndrome in this population may be useful to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords : Androgenetic alopecia, Male pattern hair loss, Metabolic syndrome, Cardiovascular diseases
