Serum elevation of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate associated with male pattern baldness in young men
Eighteen men aged 18 to 32 with rapidly progressive male pattern baldness had serum DHEA-S and testosterone measured. DHEA-S levels were elevated in all patients, ranging from 340 to 730 micrograms/dl. The patients were otherwise healthy and serum testosterone levels were within normal limits. A control group of men of similar age without hair loss had lower DHEA-S levels ranging from 124 to 300 micrograms/dl (p less than 0.005). The biochemistry of androgens, particularly dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, suggests that adrenal hyperactivity may initiate alopecia in young men who are genetically susceptible
Eighteen men aged 18 to 32 with rapidly progressive male pattern baldness had serum DHEA-S and testosterone measured. DHEA-S levels were elevated in all patients, ranging from 340 to 730 micrograms/dl. The patients were otherwise healthy and serum testosterone levels were within normal limits. A control group of men of similar age without hair loss had lower DHEA-S levels ranging from 124 to 300 micrograms/dl (p less than 0.005). The biochemistry of androgens, particularly dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, suggests that adrenal hyperactivity may initiate alopecia in young men who are genetically susceptible
