Male Pattern Baldness May Be Related To Prostate Enlargement

This study suggests that patients with AGA should talk with their doctors about any urinary symptoms they may be experiencing.

June 2010

Screenings for urinary symptoms in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) could help identify those who could benefit from treatment to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), according to researchers in Spain.

This new study, which suggests an androgen-dependent association between the two conditions, was presented to reporters during a special press conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Monday, May 31, 2010 at 8 a.m. PDT during the 105th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

In this case-control study, researchers examined 30 men with early onset AGA, for prostate volume, urinary flow, international prostate symptom score and levels of testosterone, prostate-specific antigen and sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Men with confirmed prostate disease and those taking an alpha-reductase inhibitor, testosterone or an anti-androgen were excluded from the study.

Men with AGA were found to have lower urinary flow, and higher prostate symptom scores, prostate volume and PSA levels.

No significant differences were found between the groups for SHBG, albumin or testosterone levels. Authors suggest that urinary symptoms and AGA may be associated with prostate growth, and that they may have an androgen-dependent physiopathology.

"BPH is a very treatable condition that can significantly impact quality of life if left unchecked," said Kevin T. McVary, MD, an AUA spokesman. "This study suggests that patients with AGA should talk with their doctors about any urinary symptoms they may be experiencing so that we can minimize this impact by taking preventative measures."

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