Is Early-onset Androgenetic Alopecia Associated with Metabolic Syndrome? - A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), though medically benign, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly in early-onset cases (≤30 years).
• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors predicting morbidity.
• Limited research exists on early MetS development in young males and its correlation with AGA severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of MetS in men with early-onset AGA.
• To assess the correlation between AGA severity and MetS development and its components.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study conducted from November 2020 to October 2022.
• 100 men aged 18-40 years with early-onset AGA (≤30 years) were included.
• MetS diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and AHA/NHLBI criteria; statistical analysis via Chi-square and student's t-test.

Main Results:

• Metabolic syndrome diagnosed in 63% of patients.
• Significant association found between severe AGA and MetS prevalence (P=0.006).
• Elevated waist circumference (P=0.006), triglycerides (P=0.011), and altered HDL (P=0.05) were linked to severe AGA.

Conclusions:

• Young males with early-onset AGA exhibit a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
• Earlier screening and lifestyle interventions are recommended to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this demographic.