|
Pattern Hair Loss not always Genetic
By Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
As a Trichologist* specialising in female hair loss I’ve treated thousands of women across the world for thinning scalp hair.
The trends I’ve observed in many women has led me to believe – despite prevailing medical opinion – there are two forms of so-called ‘genetic’ thinning in women (female androgenic alopecia). One is manageable but not presently curable, whilst the other may potentially be abolished.
It’s long been known that female pattern hair loss is a similar but clinically separate condition from that of male genetic balding. The hormonal conversion up to the most potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has a miniaturising affect on the hair follicles across the top of the scalp, is different in males & females. So too the progression of the problem; androgen-sensitive (male hormones are termed androgens) hair follicles in women are randomly affected, thus thinning of the scalp hair occurs rather than complete baldness. Unlike males, afflicted women generally retain their frontal hairline margin.
True genetically inherited female androgenic alopecia is an autosomal recessive hereditary trait affecting numbers of women within an extended family. The woman will recount a family history of her mother, grandmother/s, sisters, aunts or female cousins with a comparable thinning hair problem. These women tend to exhibit the condition after puberty or in their early twenties, particularly following childbirth.
The majority of women presenting with patterned hair thinning show (in my opinion), acquired pattern alopecia due to the cascading affects metabolic/hormonal disturbance within a number of body systems.
These women may be any age & relating a common history of lethargy, dry skin, menstrual difficulties, pre-menstrual mood disorders, weight gain, diminished libido, sleep disturbance or headaches. Their salivary hormone profiles (SHP) will be in imbalance - usually ‘oestrogen dominant relative to progesterone – even when the oestradiol level itself is low.
The recent studies of Dr. John Lee – arguably Australia’s foremost thyroid researcher – advocates the genesis of these problems are frequently found in deficient iron storage (termed ‘ferritin’). Adequate iron storage is essential to “fire-up” intracellular energy output, from which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is produced. To generate sufficient & quality ATP, an iron storage of 125-150ug/L (within a reference range of 20-300ug/L) is essential for optimal metabolic & liver detoxification functioning. Metabolic activity & Phase II liver detoxification pathways are ATP dependant.
An ATP-deprived liver is ‘sluggish’ & readily overloaded when a woman is taking hormone therapy (contraceptive or HRT medication), consumes some daily alcohol, caffeine or nicotine. These combined substances occupy the total capacity of the liver’s Phase I detoxification pathway, & the liver’s ability to process other substances such as the body’s own hormone by-products or other toxins is progressively impaired – ultimately resulting hormonal disturbance & cellular toxicity.
In the very complex way the body's systems influence and compensate for each other, the adrenal glands respond by increasing androgen output. These weaker male hormones are up-converted to Testosterone (TT) for use as an alternate energy source. Free TT is further up-converted to DHT – negatively influencing follicle hair growth across the top of the scalp.
Increased facial/body hair (hirsuitism) often accompanies pattern alopecia because follicles across the top of the scalp are androgen sensitive – causing follicle miniaturisation & hair shaft thinning (vellus hairs), whilst facial/body hair is male hormone (androgen) dependant – leading to increased growth.
Finally, stress as a cause for hair loss is often prematurely diagnosed by some practitioners, who are either unsure of what to look for or what to ask. Nevertheless severe or protracted stress from emotional, physical, chemical, or dietary causes can wreak havoc on many of the body’s vital hormones.
Adrenal gland production of cortisol is raised in times of acute stress. When this is prolonged, excess cortisol affects production of the hormones themselves & their target tissue sensitivity. Hormones that regulate ovarian/testicular function (gonadatrophins) in the respective sexes are decreased, resulting in lowered oestrogen & testosterone levels.
The pituitary gland’s production of growth & thyroid stimulating hormones are blocked by the indirect influences of excess cortisol, diminishing & disordering the conversion of the thyroid hormones from inactive to active.
Successfully treating women for hair loss problems requires careful review of their medical, nutritional, hormonal & lifestyle history undertaken in an organised & sequential way. Some specific baseline blood & SHP pathology (where appropriate) should be undertaken before deciding on a treatment regime. This will provide a clearer representation of what other areas are influencing the primary problem, & treating the cause of the condition rather than just the symptoms can then be undertaken.
*A qualified Trichologist has studied & successfully completed a recognised Trichology Educational Program.
About the Author: Tony Pearce RN is a specialist trichologist and a registered nurse. He is a founding member of the Society for Progressive Trichology. Tony has a clinical practice in Sutherland & Rozelle NSW. He is the Clinical Director for Trichology of Virginia/DC in the United States. In Australia Tony can be contacted on 02 9542 2700, or through his website at www.hairlossclinic.com.au
*References for this article available on request.
© Anthony Pearce
|
