Association between Family History and Male Androgenetic Alopecia with Female Pattern Hair Loss

Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) is often accompanied by female pattern hair loss (FPHL). However, the risk factors related to MAGA with FPHL are unclear.

To investigate demographic and laboratory factors related to MAGA with FPHL.

This retrospective case-control study was performed in a single tertiary care center for MAGA with FPHL between March 2012 and September 2021. Eligible patients were males >12 years old diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia by a dermatologist. The patients were subdivided into MAGA with FPHL and MAGA without FPHL groups. Comorbidities as well as demographic, laboratory, and disease-specific variables were compared between the two groups. Data analysis was conducted between October 2021 and February 2022. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-squared test were used to assess the factors that contributed to MAGA with FPHL.

Of 469 patients with MAGA, 309 (65.9%) had FPHL, which was a much higher rate than previously reported. Among the variables, only matrilineal (odds ratio, 1.605; 95% confidence interval, 1.014~2.541) and maternal history (odds ratio, 4.705; confidence interval, 1.632~13.559) of androgenetic alopecia were significantly associated with MAGA with FPHL. In the MAGA with FPHL group, a significant positive correlation was noted between body mass index and the type F score (r=0.114, p=0.025).

In this case-control study, patients with MAGA and a maternal history of androgenetic alopecia were at risk of FPHL. Therefore, early screening may benefit these patients.