Association between Family History and Male Androgenetic Alopecia with Female Pattern Hair Loss

Abstract

Background: Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) is often accompanied by female pattern hair loss (FPHL). However, the risk factors related to MAGA with FPHL are unclear. Objective: To investigate demographic and laboratory factors related to MAGA with FPHL. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was performed in a single tertiary care center for MAGA with FPHL between March 2012 and September 2021. Eligible patients were males >12 years old diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia by a dermatologist. The patients were subdivided into MAGA with FPHL and MAGA without FPHL groups. Comorbidities as well as demographic, laboratory, and disease-specific variables were compared between the two groups. Data analysis was conducted between October 2021 and February 2022. The independent samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and chi-squared test were used to assess the factors that contributed to MAGA with FPHL. Results: Of 469 patients with MAGA, 309 (65.9%) had FPHL, which was a much higher rate than previously reported. Among the variables, only matrilineal (odds ratio, 1.605; 95% confidence interval, 1.014~2.541) and maternal history (odds ratio, 4.705; confidence interval, 1.632~13.559) of androgenetic alopecia were significantly associated with MAGA with FPHL. In the MAGA with FPHL group, a significant positive correlation was noted between body mass index and the type F score (r=0.114, p=0.025). Conclusion: In this case-control study, patients with MAGA and a maternal history of androgenetic alopecia were at risk of FPHL. Therefore, early screening may benefit these patients.