National Trichology Services

Caution…Caution…Caution..!!

Tony Pearce — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:59:45 +0000

Those readers who follow my writings know that from time to time I ‘bang on’ about the pitfalls of ‘consulting’ unqualified hair loss salesmen from commercial hair loss companies. The following is a quintessential example of why consumers seeking their treatment options must be cautious :

Earlier this month a mature-age professional woman consulted me for her illness + chemotherapy-induced diffuse hair loss. A brain tumour had been detected; she’d undergone a neurosurgical procedure to have it removed – followed by chemotherapy. Some months later her hair’s density still had not recovered to her satisfaction so she attended for a ‘free consultation’ with a commercial laser hair loss treatment company.

She advises me the Consultant gave her “total reassurance’ that an “intensive” course of laser therapy would be “totally safe” AND fully recover her scalp hair density. Their ‘treatment’ program was somewhere between $3000-5500 – less if she paid upfront.

Ironically it was the exorbitant treatment cost (you can purchase FIVE Dermaray PLA’s for that price) that likely saved her from further grief….

At the urging of her family she explored other treatment options – found my website – and decided to see me.

Laser therapy is ABSOLUTELY CONTRA-INDICATED in those with known malignancies, post neurosurgery generally- but especially following a tumour’s removal; ‘shunts’, cerebro-atherosclerosis, Glaucoma or surgical metal plates in the head.

Laser therapy (LLLT) is by definition bio-stimulating - it has the capacity to stimulate the faster-growing cells and tissue: hair, skin AND rapid-growth malignancies ….

Additionally this particular woman had a small surgical metal plate inserted in her skull at the time of her operation, so LLLT’s inappropriateness as a treatment consideration was doubly compounded.

In the years 2000-2004 I was a teaching consultant for Sweden’s leading LLLT manufacturer. I taught the clinical use of LLLT to Transplant + Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, MD’s and Cosmetologists in Europe and the USA. More recently I’ve had some association (as a Practitioner + Distributor) for the Australian-made Dermaray personal laser appliance.

I believe I have a sound understanding of the benefits, versatility and limitations of laser therapy as a treatment modality ….. I certainly know when it is NOT appropriate for use with particular clients – but then I don’t get paid a commission for ‘selling’ an LLLT treatment program to whoever walks in the door….

ANYONE considering seeking professional advice for hair loss – please….!!! do just that – seek professional advice from an experienced and QUALIFIED Practitioner. These so called “free” consultations from commission-hungry salesmen may end up costing you much more than money…..

Kind Comments from Someone across the World….

Tony Pearce — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:11:44 +0000

When I use to work in hospitals I often felt my daily efforts made a small difference to the numbers of people under my care. In trichology the years have shown me I can make a huge difference in the lives of individuals by investigating + establishing the reason/s for someone’s hair loss – and successfully treating it.

The following is a lovely letter just received from a New York woman (whom I’ve never met or spoken to) who has taken the time to express her appreciation. Unsolicited comments are a special compliment, and I thank this lady for it:

Hello,
I have just read the following article on your website by Tony Pearce: Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss – an Interpretation

by Tony Pearce

Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services

http://www.hairlossclinic.com.au/articles/Iron_Deficiency_and_Hair_Loss.html

And I could not believe how on point and helpful it is! I am a 48 YO woman and have had gradually thinning hair loss over the years, with greater/more visible loss on the crown, and this article makes it all make sense, as well as gives me hope for re-growth. So thank you first of all for writing it.

I had actually sort of accepted that my hair was going to be thin, so that is not what led me to looking on the internet for answers. It actually was the connection to low iron and adrenal/thyroid issues. Thanks to your article I have discovered that iron is needed for these organs (and other things) to function properly.

I have tested low ferritin in the past and have never taken iron supplements or done anything to raise the level. But recently, after going through an experience of great fatigue before and during my last period in August, noticing my face being pale day after day (not how I usually look), feeling fatigued and tired & not wanting to do things, I was always thinking it was my thyroid/adrenal glands, but now I realize it is must be my low iron (that I have never really addressed).

So in addition to discovering, through your article, that low iron affects these glands, I now have hope that if I correct the low iron, my hair will grow back in time, and will grow back with strands that are not so thin as they are now. This is also very exciting. I was not terribly excited to see you are located in Australia, as I live in New York City, but I decided to email you because I wanted to say thank you to Tony for the article (I hope you can forward my email to him) and because I wanted to know what I can do/where I should start in terms of figuring out the iron, etc. situation in my body.

I had a ferritin test in the past (2008) and the result was low as follows: 34 ng/mL — Reference Range of 10-232 ng/mL. I anxiously await your response and I strongly believe I was supposed to see Tony’s article. It is what I was looking for. Perhaps there are other things I could read that could help me in figuring out what to do next. As I highly suspect my blood ferritin level is still low, I was considering a hair mineral analysis test and would appreciate your feedback on this also. I truly am very thankful.
Thank you,

Mrs. G.P. (name withheld for privacy)

New York City NY.

(Her questions were replied to in a private email)

Important Vitamin D Update …

Tony Pearce — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:59:28 +0000

Vitamin D’s essential significance to our health continues to unfold. However some people carry slight genetic mutations (termed ‘SNP’s) – including their nuclear Vitamin D receptors.

It’s now believed Vitamin D modifies THYROID receptors more appreciably than previously realised, meaning that Vitamin D supplementation could considerably alter thyroid blood test results – lower or higher. Of MOST concern are those people who do not require much Vitamin D; if given too much they can be pushed in to a HYPER-thyroid (over-active thyroid) state.

It’s therefore best to commence patients on no more than 5000IU/day – children 1/3-1/2 dose – and measure levels every six months (Lee:2010). Some patients may ultimately require 10,000-18,000IU/day in order to optimise thyroid functioning.

What requirements an individual needs ultimately depend on the interaction of their Triiodothyronine (T3), Vitamin D3 and Cortisol (CC) nuclear receptors – and the BALANCE between these three essential steroid hormones*. T3 receptors are considered to be one of the most important receptors in the body.

Ideally – all patients requiring high levels of Vitamin D to optimise/stabilise their thyroid function should have a Genetic Profile completed to assess for these SNP genetic mutations.

Health Practitioners should always do a baseline Vitamin D level at 1st encounter AND ascertain/advise patient against continuous self-medication (or any other supplement).

To be thyroid-adrenal hormone ‘sparing’ the ‘target’ level of Vitamin D was considered optimal between 150-200nmol/L …. that has been revised DOWN to a level around 120nmol/L (Van Zanden:2011).

*Vitamin D stored in its active form (in the liver) as Calcitonin is considered a steroid hormone (www.vitamindcouncil.org)

My continued gratitude to Dr. Philip Van Zanden (UNSW) and Dr. John Lee for their shared knowledge and support.

Reassuring words to Women – from other Women…

clinic — Thu, 05 May 2011 21:00:16 +0000

When a woman (of any age) is distressed over thinning or excessively shedding hair it may often be difficult to find the right answers for her. Here are some recent testimonials from women who have appreciated my approach to their respective problems:

HI Tony:

Just wanted to say THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH

for just being who you are and doing the wonderful work

that you are doing!!!

In the nine years since ……I’ve come across a few

angels and YOUR one of them. Even ….. said it was the best consult he had ever been to*.

Its given me hope that something can be done not just for my hair

but for my health. I’ve been on a hormonal rollacoaster with menopause

and under living with my lack of energy and motivation.

Please thank your secretaries for me for being equally as caring

and passionate about helping people, it doesnt surpise me that

you’ve attracted people like that into your life – energy attracts like energy!

Thank you again for everything!!

Ms. SB – Adelaide

*Some modifications made to Testimonial to ensure confidentiality

I have read a lot about iron deficiency, and your article is so helpful! I really appreciated reading it! Thank you for writing it. I have wondered why I am anaemic, and even though it saps my strength every day, my doctor doesn’t seem that interested in it, so I have to take interest in it.

It was strange how you mentioned such a specific thing as Blastocystis hominis, because, in fact, I have that. You said something that is different than I’ve heard elsewhere … your article is so interesting! You make suggestions that I’ve never read before.

Sincerely,

Connie

Tony – Just wanted to let you know an incredible thing – my hair is falling out HALF as much in the shower, I suppose since I started taking the powder, which has only been a week or so. I don’t know if it’s attributable to that, but the other thing that happened immediately is that my tongue, which has been pale and furry since September, became pink and normal and happy-looking. Hmm: a sign of progress, perhaps. That shampoo you kindly sent is also LOVELY and makes my hair look much happier.

Ms. VK. NY City, NY

Dear Tony,
I am very grateful to you for your approach to my health …the change in me is remarkable and I no longer spend Sunday afternoon sleeping for 3 or 4 hours because I am so fatigued. I am doing my thesis this year and have got back on track with my study because I have so much energy and am not falling asleep at my desk. The supplements and the red meat have certainly done the trick. Good news on the scalp front - my scalp continues to recover and the quality of my hair has improved greatly. When I brush it the quantity of hair that is lost is certainly less and it is starting to get some body back into it. There is also some new hair growth on a bare area on the crown, the hair is fine but it is growing.

Ms. AM – North Coast – NSW

I volunteered this testimonial to Tony Pearce.

At 49yo I was really concerned about my thinning hair, particularly in the crown area but it was getting worse all over and I was feeling increasingly self conscious about it. After treatment as instructed by Tony I started to notice a difference after about 4-6 weeks and it continued to improve so that now my hair is just not an issue any more. My hairdresser, who I have had for eight years, said unless she had seen it for herself she would not have believed the difference. Apart from the change in my hair I feel so much better generally and have more energy than I used to as well. I am an extremely happy client, am amazed at how well this treatment has worked and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is worried about thinning hair and hair loss.

Kind regards and thanks again

Fiona – Sydney

Tips on Tyrosine….

clinic — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:28:15 +0000

L-tyrosine amino acid is the only short-chain amino acid and a (generally) safe, effective and versatile treatment to aid in many conditions.

Tyrosine has long been recommended by natural medicine + allied health practitioners (including Trichologists) and sold in health food stores for treating autoimmune and stress problems. It’s wide therapeutic band allows allows high doses to be safely tolerated.

Tyrosine amino acid has a number of essential roles within the body – as a precursor for brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) + in the production of thyroid hormone, some adrenal hormones + melanin. Studies have found Tyrosine assists the body in adapting to and managing physical + psychological stress by minimising the symptoms of stress.

For efficacy and safety however – there are some important issues to consider:

Patients being treated with L-tyrosine should also be supplemented with Vitamin C + B-group vitamins. Vitamins B + C are essential to facilitate the L-tyrosine bio-pathways within the body.

Most Important: Patients taking L-tyrosine must be given a supplemental source of hydrochloric stomach acid such as Betaine HCL. Without sufficient HCL stomach acid, tyrosine converts to the toxic amine ‘tyramine’ – a potential carcinogen.

If you have been prescribed L-tyrosine for any condition, ensure your Practitioner also suggests supplemental Betaine + Vitamins C + B.

How to empty your bank account using Laser therapy…!!

clinic — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:33:18 +0000

For a long time now I have warned consumers about entrusting their faith in the promises of commission-driven sales people from large + small hair treatment ‘shops’. If males just want a hairpiece adhered to their scalp I have no problem with that – although it pays to shop around for price + quality.

With females however, hair loss or scalp hair density thinning is almost always an indication of inner nutritional deficiency or metabolic-hormonal-autoimmune disturbance. I cannot emphasise this point enough – so here it is again:

Hair loss or scalp hair density thinning in FEMALES is almost always an indication of internal nutritional deficiency or metabolic-hormonal-autoimmune disturbance….

This week I have had three emails from young women looking to make appointments with me after experiencing ‘hard sell’ free consultations with one of these multinational hair ‘treatment’ companies; two from Melbourne + one from Sydney:

Client One: “A few weeks ago I went to xxxx who diagnosed me with ‘alopecia’ and recommended 9 months of laser therapy at a cost of $5000. I am a bit dubious thus I researched a little more and subsequently have come to you ….”.

Client Two: “I saw a consultant at xxxx in Melbourne recently. They advised me that laser hair treatment would be the best option for me and that I have a 75% chance of my hair improving … in their nine month treatment program. I (was) constantly feeling tired and I was noticing my hair was thinning. I am being treated (sic) ‘on the basis of having Adrenal Fatigue and Alopecia’.

Client Three: A 17yo female student who consulted me for an obsessive-compulsive hair ‘plucking’ disorder. She states she attended a western Sydney branch of the same company, and although allegedly told by the ‘consultant’ her hair follicles could never regrow hair – he was willing to “try + recover them” in a 9 month laser therapy program for $9000.00..!! Obviously NO consistency in price structure between states…

Image enhancement (X50) revealed expected broken hair shafts (from the pulling) but ALL follicles were intact and were growing hair shafts from them. Blood pathology revealed significant iron, Vitamin D + Iodine deficiency in this young woman.

Nine YEARS of laser therapy would not replete her deficiency of the three most important nutrients that drive her body; this is why her hair would not grow (even when she had her plucking ‘habit’ under control).

Where laser therapy may be useful I too offer it as an adjunct or secondary treatment WHILST UNDERLYING CAUSES are being corrected – twice weekly for up to six weeks is usually sufficient. My fee for this a couple of hundred dollars – not $$$thousands.

Consumers who feel laser therapy might be the ‘answer’ for them should first consult a qualified practitioner experienced in hair loss issues. They can also buy outright a 100mW award-winning Australian-made hand held device (Dermaray) for about $1000.00.

WHY would anyone pay upwards of $10,000 for some laser treatments being flogged by a salesman – with no guarantee of total success ….??

I can only continue to advise readers not to be taken in by the ‘hand on heart’ promises and ‘guarantees’ of the salespeople these companies employ ‘on commission’ . Remember they get paid when you are sold and locked in to one of their ‘treatment’ plans….

‘Practitioner Formula’ Activance Rhodanide Nutrient Hair Treatment

clinic — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:58:00 +0000

The benefits of the vitaminoid ‘Rhodanide’ was first discovered in 1880′s Germany & was fed to farm + show animals to improve the condition their health, wool, fur & hides..!

Activance Rhodanide is now a natural, vitaminoid topical hair follicle treatment; patented by a German University after more than 40 years of research. Activance topical solution replenishes the vitaminoid ‘Rhodanide’ – a natural molecule vital for healthy hair & often found to be depleted in hair of poor quality.

German University clinical studies* found Rhodanide to:

stimulate hair follicle activity & hair shaft growth

revitalise lifeless, dull hair

hydrates the hair shaft (up to 50%); strengthening the hair shaft & increasing resistance to breakage or ‘split ends’

anti-inflammatory properties to reduce irritated, itching or flaking scalps

natural DHT-inhibiting properties

protects the hair against chemical damage & pollutants

rapid feelings of volumised hair & scalp hair density

enhances hair manageability & shine

Activance Rhodanide helps settle excessive hair shedding, and is a safe, natural alternative to Minoxidil. Pregnant or nursing women, children or those with sensitive skins who cannot use Minoxidil will find Activance Rhodanide the perfect alternative.

Exclusive to National Trichology Services - ‘fragrance-free’ ‘Practitioner Formula’ is a more concentrated (x8-9 vs X2), zero-irritant topical treatment for even more effective results … available as a Hair Stimulant or Revitaliser (for unmanageable hair) and a SLS/Paraben-free Shampoo.

*all studies or references may be viewed or applied for at www.activance.com.au

Online Consultation Service for Hair & Scalp Problems

clinic — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:49:54 +0000

Finding a reputable practitioner who understands the many reasons for hair loss and scalp problems – AND can offer effective, inexpensive treatments has long been a challenge for the consumer.

Tony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist & Registered Nurse – and the only practicing Trichologist in Australia from a health care background*.

Tony works in close association with – and follows the research of – some of Australia’s leading health experts**. This provides him with an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge advances in health issues that can lead to hair loss.

For more than a decade he has provided a dedicated online consultation service for those seeking diagnosis & treatment for conditions of the hair and scalp.

No doubt it’s desirable for at least one face-to-face meeting – but if that is not possible – a successful outcome is in no way compromised for the online client. Tony has consulted & successfully treated adults and children of both sexes from many countries around the world. Some of these are Medical Doctors – or members of their family.

If you would like further information about an online consultation you can email Tony Pearce at clinic@hairlossclinic.com.au or at this website: www.hairlossclinic.com.au. At the homepage you may access the women’s or men’s service; fee structure & services provided are detailed within the introduction.

*A qualified Trichologist has studied & successfully completed an Academic Trichology Educational Program (such as the World Trichology Society (WTS) course or The Trichological Society, UK)

**Tony works in close association with Thyroid researchers – Dr. John Lee + Dr. Philip Van Zanden; Australia’s foremost research Pharmacist – Mr. Arthur Chan. He follows the published work of Dr. Peter Baratosy (South Australia), Dr. Jennie McKern (Victoria) + Dr. John Cannell MD – Director of the Vitamin D Council (USA). He also has a professional association with Dr. Johnathan Chan of the Australasian Hair Transplant Institute.

A Good Outcome for a Great Kid …. (and HOPE for other Parents….)

clinic — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:48:52 +0000

I was attending a hair conference with my research pharmacist in Adelaide in 2007 when a very concerned Mother of a 12yo Perth boy flew across to see us. He’d been experiencing Alopecia areata since he was four, and had now lost total head, facial (eyebrows; eyelashes) and body hair – Alopecia Universalis.

Some blood testing ordered by their supportive family Doctor revealed depleted iron stores (ferritin), zinc, and a mixed thyroid picture.

It’s been a slow climb back with still some way to go, but the gutsy (now) teenage boy is at last enjoying his first haircuts..!!

Here’s what his Mother had to say:

Jxxx is still doing really well with lots of little prickles on the top of his head. A number one is the common weekly cut at the moment – there is lots of hair, just a variation in colour and thickness still. Thanks again for all your help – I’m sure you’d be surprised if you saw Jxxx today.

Can Hair Loss be an Indicator to Future Ill-Health…?

clinic — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:49:22 +0000

I used to regard the term ‘Chronic Telogen Effluvium‘ as somewhat of a “non-diagnosis”; a label provided where the Practitioner really had no idea as to its cause. I’ve begun to re-think my previous skepticism and now believe these hair sheds are a very early indicator of impending hormonal-metabolic collapse.

Two client cases have recently emerged; one a post-menopausal registered nurse (RN) and the other an early 30′s professional woman who for 2-3 years both reported unremitting hair fall – ‘chronic’ Telogen Effluvium – despite all contemporary treatment interventions. Each woman reported being ‘always tired’; both struggling with their respective body weights, and we were unable to replete the zinc levels of the former (and the iron storage of the latter) despite intense + sophisticated supplementation.

The baseline ‘thyroid’ blood testing for both women revealed little although their overall symptoms and history suggested metabolic disturbance from some area. I always endeavor to have my client’s thyroid panel tested in-depth: TSH, T4, T3, Reverse T3 (rT3) + Thyroid antibodies – along with Iodine + Vitamin D. These were repeated at approximately 3-6 month intervals (understandably much to their respective Doctor’s chagrin…) but little changed in the testing and only my ‘gut feelings’ remained.

With no further increase or severity of symptoms, the respective thyroid conditions of each unexpectedly and dramatically emerged; the post-menopausal RN revealing autoimmune thyroiditis – Graves’ Disease – and the younger woman Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis.

I have observed this in other (predominantly female) clients but I was unable to track their progress due to discontinued contact. Hair (as an appendage of the skin) is one of the most metabolically-active body tissues. Hair growth is extremely sensitive to changes within the body’s internal environment – particularly nutrient availability and hormonal fluctuations.

Hair growth, hair ‘quality’, and variation in usual follicle ‘growth-fall’ cycles are frequently an early indicator to underlying disturbance within the body. In part – this is because hair is a ‘non-essential’ tissue in nutrient-metabolic terms; first to reveal signs of internal distress – but the last recover.

With further research, I believe 'phasing changes' in scalp hair follicle cycles that lead to 'chronic' Telogen Effluvium may prove to be a reliable diagnostic indicator or 'red flag' early warning to autoimmune thyroid disease.