Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women Having Female Pattern Hair Loss

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Dermatology

Background:

• While male androgenetic alopecia is linked to cardiovascular disease, research on female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and cardiovascular risk is limited.
• This study investigates cardiovascular risk factors in pre-menopausal women with FPHL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance in pre-menopausal women with FPHL.
• To correlate various anthropometric and biochemical markers with the severity of FPHL.
• To evaluate potential screening methods for cardiovascular risk in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 50 pre-menopausal women (18-45 years) with FPHL.
• Measurements included carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), BMI, waist circumference, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, testosterone, SHBG, hs-CRP, ESR, and fibrinogen.
• Prevalence of MetS and insulin resistance was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were present in 24% and 34% of cases, respectively.
• Abnormal lipid profiles (hypercholesterolemia, high LDL, low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia) and hyperinsulinemia were common.
• Elevated ESR (86%), hs-CRP (42%), and fibrinogen (20%) were observed; CIMT was normal.
• Significant correlations were found between FPHL severity and CIMT, anthropometric indices, biochemical markers, and MetS.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and elevated acute-phase reactants (hs-CRP, fibrinogen) may serve as useful screening tools for cardiovascular risk in women with FPHL.
• These findings highlight a potential link between FPHL and increased cardiovascular risk in pre-menopausal women.