A new review published early this month specified that androgenetic alopecia is linked to moderate damage of health-related quality of life and emotions.

A HealthDay report specified that Chun-Hsien Huang, MD, from Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, Taiwan, and colleagues performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to identify the effect of androgenetic alopecia on HRQOL.

Based on 41 studies involving 7,995 patients, the study authors discovered that the pooled Hair-Specific Skindex-29 score specified moderate damage of emotions.

There was no specification of depression for the pooled Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score. Involving married or couple status and receipt of medical cures was directly linked to HRQOL, while the severity of self-related hair loss occurrences, lower visual analog scale score, and higher levels of education had an inverse connection with HRQOL.

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Link Between Androgenetic Alopecia and HRQOL

A related Medical Xpress report specified, this particular review demonstrated the link between androgenetic alopecia and moderate impairment of HRQOL, which was greater compared to, for alopecia areata, as well as other common dermatoses like contact dermatitis and acne vulgaris, the study authors explained.

Additionally, androgenetic alopecia was linked to the moderate impairment in emotions, which was greater compared to symptom and function dimensions, the researchers said, the link with depressive symptoms was not significant.

Patients who had androgenetic alopecia deserve attention and proper psychological and psychosocial support.

Androgenetic Alopecia

According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss be it in males or females. In males, hair is typically lost in a well-defined pattern, starting on top of both temples and is typically referred too, as "male-pattern baldness".

Over time, the hairline retreats to form a characteristic "M" form. More so, hair thins close to the top of the head, frequently developing to partial or total baldness.

Meanwhile, the hair loss pattern in women is different from men. This is called the female pattern hair loss. In females, the hair turns thinner all over the head, and the hairline is not receding.

Androgenetic alopecia in women unusually, according to the review, "Health-related quality of life, depression, and self-esteem in patients with androgenetic alopecia", published in JAMA Dermatology, results in total baldness. A variety of genetic and environmental factors possibly play a role in bringing this condition. Mutations in the AR gene have also been linked to androgenetic alopecia.

Symptoms

On top of the male-pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia in male individuals has been linked to several other medical problems which include coronary heart disease and prostate enlargement.

In addition, prostate cancer, insulin resistance disorders like obesity and diabetes, as well as high blood pressure or hypertension have been associated with androgenetic alopecia in men.

In women, this health condition is linked to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, which is characterized by a hormonal imbalance that can result in irregular menstrual periods, acne, hirsutism, or excess body hair and weight gain.

Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

Two drugs have currently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. One of the medicines is the Minoxidil, which seems to lengthen the space of the anagen phase, not to mention the chances of increasing the blood supply to the follicle.

The other drug, Finasteride, can only be used and is more effective for balding at the top part of the head. If the treatment is stopped, the baldness then recurs.

The second-mentioned medicine, cannot be given to women who are still able to have children as it can lead to ambiguous genitalia in male infants and it does not appear to work in women. Essentially, the doses are roughly one milligram daily and they are taken by mouth.

Related information about treating androgenetic alopecia is shown on Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic is shown on YouTube video below:

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