A clinical study of androgenetic alopecia (V)

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by local and gradual transformations of terminal scalp hair to vellus hair, which has a shorter and thinner shaft. The proportion of patients with androgenetic alopecia, among the total number of patients with alopecia, seems to be gradually increasing. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the family history, and clinical and endocrine status of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Method: 796 patients with androgenetic alopecia were assessed at the Alopecia Clinic, Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital over a 3 year period (from January 2001 to December 2003). Results: The following results were obtained: 1) There were found to be 1.7 more male patients (498) than female patients (298). They were also found to be mostly in their twenties (male 253; 50.8%, female 90; 30.2%). Previously, male to female ratio was 3.46:1, but was now found to be 1.7:1. 2) In the 498 male patients, Norwood class II was dominant (130 patients; 26.2%). In the 298 female patients, Ludwig class I was superior (204 patients; 68.5%). 3) 321 patients (64.5%) of 498 male patients and 177 (59.4%) of 298 female patients hada family history of androgenetic alopecia. 4) The most common accompanying disorder was seborrheic dermatitis (male 287; 73.0%, female 137; 64.6%). 5) Serum testosterone levels were increased in 84 (16.9%) of 498 male patients and 44 (14.8%) of 298 female patients. Conclusion: Most of these results are compatible with our previous study carried out in 1995. But, female androgenetic alopecia patients are nowadays increasing in number, therefore, the ratio of male to female is markedly different.