A Cross-Sectional Study on the Quality of Life in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia and Its Correlation with Serum Testosterone Levels at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Chengalpattu District

Resumen

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common etiology of progressive male hair loss and associated with the excessive psychosocial loss. As presented in the paper, AGA has been evaluated on its impact on the quality of life and correlation with serum levels of testosterone. The study was based on a cross-sectional observation of 82 male patients aged 16-60 years with androgenetic alopecia, who were clinically diagnosed with in a hospital. The severity of the disease was determined with the Hamilton Norwood classification. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29 questionnaires were used to measure the quality of life and serum level of total testosterone was determined through conventional biochemical tests. The data analysis was done using the descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and one-way ANOVA. Majority of the subjects were between the ages of 20-30 years with the average will having an onset age of 23.62 yrs. In patients 56.1% had a positive family history. The mean of the scores of the DLQI, 8.85+5.96, and the mean of the total Skindex-29 scores, 103.12+19.05, indicated that there was a moderate-to-significant impairment in terms of quality of life. Mean serum testosterone level was 670.84 ± 162.35 ng/dL. Grade III androgenetic alopecia (24.4%) was the most frequent (level of severity). Significant change in DLQI (p = 0.023), Skindex-29 (p = 0.035) scores was found by Hamilton Norwood grade. Hamilton -Norwood severity (r = 0.518, p = 0.034) and overall Skindex-29 score (r = 0.684, p = 0.041) had a positive correlation with serum testosterone. Androgenetic alopecia significantly impairs emotional well-being and quality of life of males who have the condition. The degree of disease severity together with the aggravation of the psychosocial consequences were found to show correlation whereas serum testosterone is concluded to have a significant correlation with the disease severity. Pre-diagnosis, hormonal assessment, psychological counselling and comprehensive coverage of the dermatological treatment would assist in improving the patient and improving the overall living condition.