Association between male pattern baldness and prostate disease: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Male pattern baldness (MPB) has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (PC) as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We performed a meta-analysis to quantitatively determine the level of risk of PC and BPH in individuals with baldness.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using several databases. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs.

Results: In total, 17 studies comprising 68,448 participants were eligible for the meta-analysis and showed that MPB is associated with an increased risk of aggressive PC (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.36-1.86; P<0.001) as well as BPH (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05-1.51; P = 0.01). There was statistically significant association between vertex baldness and PC (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05-1.32; P = 0.006). No statistically significant association between vertex, frontal plus vertex hair loss pattern, and BPH were identified.

Conclusions: MPB is associated with an increased risk of PC and BPH. Despite our findings, further studies, preferably prospective cohort studies, are required to better elucidate these relationships and to advance knowledge in this field.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; Baldness; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Prostate cancer.