Increased Prevalence of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Men With Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: A...

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in young adult males.

A total of 200 males aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled in this case-control study, including 100 patients with early-onset AGA and 100 age- and body mass index-matched controls. Clinical staging was performed using the Hamilton-Norwood classification, and all participants underwent standardized physical and biochemical evaluation.

The prevalence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.7) was significantly higher in the AGA group compared to the control group (18% vs. 4%, p = 0.003). Similarly, MetS was more common among AGA patients (21% vs. 9%, p = 0.011). Fasting insulin levels, triglyceride concentrations, and HOMA-IR scores were all significantly elevated in the AGA group, while HDL-C levels were comparable between groups. Waist circumference was also significantly greater in the AGA group (p = 0.026). When stratified by AGA severity, the frequency of IR progressively increased with increasing Hamilton-Norwood stages. No significant differences were observed in fasting glucose or blood pressure categories. Although individual MetS components were similar, cumulative clustering of risk factors appeared to be associated with a significantly higher MetS frequency among patients with AGA.

Early-onset AGA in men may serve as a visible clinical indicator of underlying metabolic disturbances, particularly IR. Routine metabolic screening may be advisable in young men presenting with advanced AGA stage.