Relations between sex hormone level and characters of hair and skin in healthy young men

Abstract

Total testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in blood serum as well as free testosterone in saliva were determined by radioimmunoassay in 110 healthy young men. The results were compared with the development of terminal hair on the trunk and limbs, with the disposition to balding and with the disposition to acne. No significant correlations were found between terminal hair development and absolute androgen levels; however, some significant values were observed in the case of the metabolic rate of dihydrotestosterone/testosterone and the proportion of free to total testosterone. The disposition to balding also correlates positively with the latter ratio. Yet the absolute serum androgen concentrations in men with a disposition to balding is lower than in men with no reduction of scalp hair. The widespread assumption that androgen levels are in general elevated in bald-trait men must therefore be rejected. In accordance with this finding, men with a disposition to balding are morphologically (with regard to anthropometric measures) no more masculine than those with good scalp hair growth. When body build and age are taken into consideration, the relations between terminal hair and androgen ratio are also problematical. No relationship could be found between acne and androgens.

Testosterone levels in healthy men and the relation to behavioural and physical characteristics: facts and constructs

“…In another group, healthy young men showed a disposition to balding in those subjects with an increased ratio of 5a-DHT/ testosterone. Absolute serum testosterone levels were not associated with balding patterns (177). Differences in beard growth, body hair and balding seen between races are probably determined by various degrees of 5a-reductase activity; the ratio 5a-DHT:testosterone was higher in Caucasians than in Asians living in the US and Canada (112).…”

The Role of Facial and Body Hair Distribution in Women’s Judgments of Men’s Sexual Attractiveness

“…Although facial and body hair are androgen dependent (Randall, 2008), variation in total testosterone, the highest serum levels of androgens, does not explain within-or between-population differences in facial or body hair density and patterning (Ewing & Rouse, 1978;Knussmann, Christiansen, & Kannmacher, 1992;Lookingbill et al, 1991;Winkler & Christiansen, 1993). Instead, these terminal hairs develop due to the combined effects of testosterone and its 5a reductase metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (Randall, 2008).…”

The value of middle phalangeal hair as an anthropometric marker: A review of the literature

“…Published studies in men have found that MPH is positively correlated with DHT, DHT/T and T/E 2 (Knussmann et al, 1992;Winkler and Christiansen, 1993). Given this link, it is of interest to consider other potential health and behavioral correlates of DHT and T that could be examined in future MPH research.…”

“…However, these studies examined men of German descent and men living as hunter and gatherers in South Africa. The two studies found significant positive relationships between MPH and both DHT (Winkler and Christiansen, 1993) and DHT/T ser (DHT/serum T; Knussmann et al, 1992;Winkler and Christiansen, 1993). Serum T consists of both bound and unbound T, and DHT/T ser has been used as an estimate of 5␣-reductase activity.…”

“…This pattern suggests a possible hormonal link in the expression of MPH, which will be discussed below. The presence of MPH is affected by other factors including sex and age, suggesting the possibility of a relationship between MPH and gonadal steroid hormones (e.g., Knussmann et al, 1992;Winkler and Christiansen, 1993).…”