Insights of prostate diseases risk among patients with male pattern baldness: a mendelian randomized study

Background Male pattern baldness (MPB) is commonly associated with prostate diseases, both of which can significantly impact men’s quality of life. However, the relationship and causality between them remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the causal relationship between the two. Methods Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was the primary Mendelian randomization method, with MR Egger, weighted median, and MRPRESSO as complements. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran’s Q, MR Egger intercept, and MRPRESSO. Results MPB was found to be negatively correlated with prostate cancer (IVW: OR = 0.986, 95% CI = 0.974–0.999, P = 0.033). This causal relationship was further supported by the weighted median (OR = 0.981, 95% CI = 0.969–0.993, P = 0.002), MR-Egger (OR = 0.977, 95% CI = 0.960–0.994, P = 0.010), and MRPRESSO (OR = 0.986, 95% CI = 0.974–0.999, P = 0.037) methods. Additionally, the weighted median analysis indicated that MPB was positively correlated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (OR = 1.027, 95% CI = 1.003–1.052, P = 0.024). Conclusions Our findings suggest that genetically predicted MPB may reduce prostate cancer risk but increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Timely prostate screening in patients with MPB could help prevent and manage prostate diseases.