Association of Early-onset Androgenetic Alopecia and Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the association of early-onset AGA (androgenetic alopecia) and metabolic syndrome in the younger male population. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital Lahore, from October 2017 to March 2018. Methodology: A total of 202 patients were enrolled, 101 male patients with early-onset AGA (cases with a alopecia between 20-36 years of age), and were matched with 101 controls. All measurements regarding BMI, metabolic syndrome, and grades of alopecia were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. Results: Of the 101 cases (mean age 27.77 +/- 5.04 years), 27 (26.7%) had grade 3, 41 (40.6%) had grade 4, 29 (28.7%) had grade 5 and 4 (4%) had grade 6 AGA. Patients of AGA had an approximate four times increased frequency of metabolic syndrome. Of the cases 12 (11.9%) had metabolic syndrome whereas it was found in 3 (3%) of the control group. A significant association was found between cases of AGA and metabolic syndrome (p=0.016). Conclusion: This study suggests a significant association of AGA with metabolic syndrome.

Automated summary

This study indicates a significant association between early-onset AGA and metabolic syndrome, suggesting an increased frequency of metabolic syndrome among patients with AGA.