Androgens ("male hormones") affect hair, oil and sweat glands. Skin diseases (androgenic dermatoses) caused by androgens may affect both men and women and include scalp hair loss, oily skin and acne. In addition, women may also exhibit hirsutism (abnormal hairiness), characterized by dark, coarse hair of the chin, upper lip, and sideburns, as well as the trunk, arms and legs. Breast hair and a male, pubic hair pattern may also appear. Menstrual irregularity and weight gain may accompany any of the above symptoms.

Androgenetic alopecia (male hormone-induced hair loss) occurs in those scalp follicles that have been genetically programmed to be suppressed by androgens over time. These follicles are concentrated on the front and crown more often than on the sides and back of the scalp.

We recommend blood tests to determine your hormone balance and to measure other internal factors that may affect your skin and hair. This information can help to clarify the causes of your problem and outline potential treatment.

Androgens are normally present in men in large amounts and in women in small amounts. In some women with androgenic dermatoses, the male hormone levels are elevated and may be treated. In others, however, the androgen level may be normal. Nevertheless, since hormones are very potent, even these normal levels are able to cause scalp hair loss, acne and/or hirsutism. Patients who have these conditions, in spite of normal hormone levels, may have hair and oil glands that are simply more sensitive to androgens.