Role of genetics and sex steroid hormones in male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss: An update of what we now know

ABSTRACT The role of genetic predisposition and the influence of sex steroid hormones are indisputable to the pathogenesis of male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA). The role of sex steroid hormones in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is less known. A good knowledge of the pathophysiology underlying MAGA...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australasian journal of dermatology 2011-05, Vol.52 (2), p.81-88
Main Authors: Yip, Leona, Rufaut, Nick, Sinclair, Rod
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alopecia - etiology
Alopecia - genetics
androgenetic alopecia
androgens
Androgens - administration & dosage
Androgens - physiology
Anticipation, Genetic
baldness
Biological and medical sciences
Dermatology
Estrogens - administration & dosage
Estrogens - physiology
Female
Genetic Testing
Hair and nails disorders
Hair Follicle - drug effects
Hair Follicle - growth & development
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Multifactorial Inheritance
oestrogens
pattern hair loss
Sex Factors
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Summary:ABSTRACT The role of genetic predisposition and the influence of sex steroid hormones are indisputable to the pathogenesis of male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA). The role of sex steroid hormones in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is less known. A good knowledge of the pathophysiology underlying MAGA and FPHL empowers the clinician to confidently counsel patients and make informed therapeutic decisions. Vigorous research in recent years has provided greater insight into the role of genetics and sex steroids in physiological hair growth and cycling, as well as in hair follicle miniaturization, the histological hallmark of MAGA and FPHL. In the present review article directed towards clinicians, we discuss the current understanding of the role of androgens and oestrogens, as well as genetic associations with MAGA and FPHL. We also briefly discuss the interpretation of direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for baldness to help clinicians understand the limitations of such tests.
ISSN:0004-8380
1440-0960
DOI:10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00745.x