April 26, 2016
International Journal of Dermatology

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This study examined the association between female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and metabolic syndrome (MtS) in Egyptian women. Risks for hypertension and central obesity were increased 3.5-fold and 5.6-fold, respectively, in patients with FPHL as compared with controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between the Ludwig stage of FPHL and waist circumference.

Due to the association between FPHL and MetS found in this study, this report offers added points for counseling regarding hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.

– Anna Wile, MD

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Several studies have addressed the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men with few reports focusing on this association in females. The aim of this work was to investigate the association of MetS among Egyptian women with different stages of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and to compare the results with age- and sex-matched controls.

METHODS

This study included 90 female participants, 45 cases with different stages of FPHL classified according to the Ludwig scale and 45 healthy control participants that were age- and sex-matched with the cases. Assessment of MetS components was done according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, a statistically significant association was found between FPHL and the presence of MetS with a tendency to increase with the severity of FPHL being greater in stage III > stage II > stage I. Among metabolic syndrome components, waist circumference (WC) (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.2 -13.9, P = 0.0002) and hypertension (HTN) (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-8.9, P = 0.008) were revealed as the most important factors associated with FPHL. WC also tended to increase with the severity of FPHL.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a significant association between MetS and FPHL. Women with FPHL, particularly if associated with an increased WC or hypertension, should be screened for MetS criteria for early identification and management.

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