The investigation of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in male patients with early-onset androgenetic alopecia.

Epidemiological studies have shown that diseases associated with insulin resistance and coronary artery disease are more frequently observed in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). We aimed to identify the presence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in male patients with early-onset AGA. Fifty male patients (18-30 years) with AGA stage ≥ 3 (Hamilton-Norwood scale), body mass index < 27 and 40 weight- and age-matched male subjects were the study population. The weight, height, and waist circumference of all patients was measured. Levels of fasting glucose, insulin, and lipids were evaluated and oral glucose tolerance tests undertaken. Insulin resistance was analyzed through various indices and the presence of metabolic syndrome was assessed. Values of diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol were significantly higher in the AGA group. Among insulin indices, only HOMA insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) were higher in the AGA group. Given the criteria for metabolic syndrome, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Although not supported by the other indices, high scores of HOMA-IR and FIRI suggest that male patients with early onset-AGA have insulin resistance. These data may raise awareness in susceptible individuals that lifestyle changes in the early period of life can reduce the risk of insulin resistance.