Physiological analysis of Iraqi male patients with hair loss: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background This study examines factors influencing hair loss in individuals with and without hair loss, comparing biological, metabolic, and enzymatic biomarkers. It aims to establish causal relationships and characterize biomarkers for diagnostic or predictive value. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 50 male participants with hair loss and 50 healthy men aged 20–40 years in Baghdad, Iraq, between May 2022 and July 2023. Biophysical and chemical variables such as body fat percentage, basal energy expenditure, blood pressure, heart rate, and full blood count were measured. Blood samples were collected, and specimens were tested with well-established techniques to determine aetiology. Results This study compared the biological and biochemical characteristics of men with and without hair loss. Blood pressure was significantly lower among the patients with hair loss, a factor confirmed in 80% of the patients. Total body fat mass was greater in patients with hair loss (23.55 ± 8.70 kg) than in controls (15.11 ± 4.66 kg, p = 0.0013), indicating a possible correlation between obesity and baldness. The BMR was not significantly different between the groups, with a p-value of 0.0644. Analysis of the results revealed that the level of HCT was higher in patients with hair loss, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0042). In contrast, the level of Hb was higher, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.0532). Conclusion It was observed that hair loss patients had higher body fat mass and haematocrit values and lower blood pressure than the controls, suggesting the probability of links between metabolic and hematologic alterations and hair loss.