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.

In my area of expertise I frequently see clients who appear to spend most their day swallowing multivitamins, aminos, naturopathic/homeopathic mixtures or Asian ‘medicinal’ concoctions. I am categorically NOT saying there is anything wrong with taking prescribed natural medicines or multivitamins to address nutrient deficiency BUT too many people seeking answers to perceived health complaints adopt the ‘more is better’ attitude to the taking of natural supplements.

Two popular products purchased from radio advertising - Nature B and Arcon Tisane - are typical examples. BOTH are essentially Vitamin B complex supplements; Arcon Tisane also contains the herb ‘Fenugeek’. For what they are - they are both quite expensive; Arcon Tisane is around $60 per box of 30 capsules (or $200 for a couple of months supply). Nature B is currently advertising a ’special price’ of $99 for six months supply (with free soap thrown in!)

Fenugeek (Trigonella f-g) is a traditional herbal treatment taken for ‘hair health’ - as well as numerous other ailments. The US National Institutes for Health (NHI) state:

• A few small studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for any other health condition.
• Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin.
• Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy.

Fenugeek is known to interfere with iron absorption and thyroid medication. Iron is considered the most important nutrient because it ’switches-on’ most body systems; I consider iron deficiency the most common reason for hair loss in pre-menopausal females. Health guidelines also urge ‘caution’ with prescribing Fenugeek to ‘atopic’ individuals - particularly those with severe asthma or allergies.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) contains the element Cobalt. Cobalt antagonises the absorption of Magnesium (Mg) when Cobalt is ingested in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods of tiime. Any resulting deficiency of Mg may cause cardiac arrythmias (+ sudden death from heart attack) - particularly in the elderly or those with weakened/damaged hearts (Watts:1995). Folic acid also increases the body’s metabolic need for Mg.
It is not uncommon to see clients taking up to three different brands of Vitamin B complex - resulting in substantially elevated B12 and Folic Acid levels when tested. One elderly female patient (83 years) I recently saw was taking BOTH Arcan Tisane and Nature B - because they were being advertised on her favorite radio stations. Her B12 levels were >1900pmol/L (range 180-740 pmol/L); she was exhibiting symptoms of B12 toxicity such as sore tongue + mouth, tingling fingers, muscle weakness + GIT upset.

Excessive Folic Acid ingestion resulting in elevated nutrient levels may cause diffuse hair loss (Rushton et al).

Vitamins, minerals + amino acids are maintained in balance within our body. When any nutrient is excessively ingested for prolonged periods this upsets that balance - and could ultimately be the cause of ill-health.

Again - I am NOT saying these or other advertised supplements are inherently dangerous when taken for nutritional deficiency for short periods of time. However I strongly suggest the following steps:

• If you are excessively tired, unwell or losing scalp hair - see an experienced Practitioner to have these symptoms correctly assessed.
• Always have a pathology ‘baseline’ taken (blood test) to assess what your deficiencies are (if any) BEFORE taking nutritional supplements. Results are NOT always as they appear + may be indicating another internal disturbance. If you do not undertake a preliminary blood test to establish baseline levels - you are just GUESSING that you may be deficient.
• Once a baseline is established - supplement for three months + then re-test levels. It is my opinion these companies are too cavalier in their sales approach + should NOT be offering ’specials’ on six or twelve months supply - particularly to the elderly.
• Packaging should also advise of potential side affects or health risk when Vitamin B-complex or other supplemnts are taken for prolonged periods of time.

Tragically the brilliant designer + manufacturer of Dermaray Systems – Nick Balgowan – succumbed to depression + (I suppose) the stress of his work and took his own life.

I only knew Nick for a couple of years but instantly recognised his visionary passion + commitment to design hi-tech personal therapy appliances for sufferers of skin + scalp problems (Nick experienced Psoriasis most of his life).

Nick was an honest, genuine young man of total integrity who was driven to design the most effective Australian-made personal therapy systems at an affordable price. He was never interested in financial gain from the afflictions of others – a VERY rare trait in this industry. He is an exceptional loss to his field and our country….

Before designing Dermaray, Nick introduced me to the Aculas personal laser appliance – the first hand-held laser device I ever considered being associated with. And whilst the Aculas is a very effective device – it does not come close to the sophisticated usage + safety features of Dermaray Laser.

Dermaray Laser can easily be programmed to provide an increasing intensity of laser therapy treatment within a course of treatment. It can also be programmed to supply more intensity to specific areas of the scalp (+ less to others); frontal hairline margin or crown. Dermaray will also memorise the treatment regimes of more than 30 different users or treatment settings!

Dermaray is the only personal laser system with a patented safety proximity detection system that DE-activates the appliance if unsafe usage is detected.

At $AUD1,010.00 (plus a TRANSFERABLE TWO-YEAR manufacturer’s warranty) to own outright – why would anyone consider paying a salesman $5000-6000 for just 20 or so laser treatments at any hair loss studio??

For further applications of Dermaray Personal Laser System see my Blog: ‘The Benefits (+ Limitations of Laser Therapy).

For more information about the Dermaray Personal Laser System visit the information page in our main website. http://www.hairlossclinic.com.au/laser_therapy.html

1. 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

2. 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,
3. 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

4. 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

For many consumers however, LLLT’s results often fell far short of marketing hype as a single treatment ‘cure-all’ - but within its limitations - LLLT can be a useful + efficacious tool in a COMBINED therapy approach.

In my experience of working with LLLT manufacturers, training other operators, and treating my own clients, LLLT’s principal benefits are vaso-dilation (blood flow increase), anti-inflammatory, and its ability to enhance hair shaft integrity and quality. I have also always found it effective in slowing the rate of telogen effluvium hair shedding - likely due to its vaso-dilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

I do however state the above with certain qualifications. To be therapeutically effective these laser appliances should be classified ‘3A/3B’; be in the wavelength vicinity of 660-780nm & with a power output of 60-400mW (minimum 60mW).

Some hand held units (1.5-5mW) are little more than placebo gimmicks in my opinion.

For the information of appropriately qualified practitioners, I have found LLLT to be particularly valuable in the treatment of facial bruising and swelling (assaults, accidents, facial/scalp sporting injury, cosmetic surgery, POST-hair transplantation procedures etc).

LLLT sessions of approximately 10 minutes duration AS CLOSE to the event as possible can result in total lack of bruising/swelling expression. Three or four sessions under a hooded laser device are usually sufficient (face client backwards under the appliance).

LLLT is an appropriate additional therapy in any condition where:

• there is an inflammatory response
• non-thermal vasodilation to skin area is desirable
• the skin is dry, itching and/or irritated
• normalisation of skin oil balance is sought

LLLT is a surprisingly successful treatment for Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and migraine headaches. Investigation and care must be exercised to ensure there is no underlying pathology such as tumor, aneurysm or CSF shunts before commencing LLLT to migraine headache sufferers.

When used correctly - and not just as a marketing gimmick - LLLT is a capable and multi-purpose treatment modality which patients/clients readily accept. Think about what you as the practitioner are seeking to achieve with LLLT. Understand its capabilities and limitations - and convey this to your client.

Although manufacturers recommend ‘blanket’ exposure times, I have found different hair and scalp problems respond better to individualised LLLT time exposure and numbers of sessions required.

Be flexible, bold - and always be be ready to ‘think outside the square’ of conventional treatment! LLLT is a safe, non-invasive light therapy (when used appropriately) that will be as adaptable as its operator!

Commence with six bi-weekly sessions of 10-15 minutes duration (Class ‘3A) and then evaluate. I never suggest more than twelve bi-weekly sessions in one block before evaluating its effects with the client. As with many other therapies - LESS is MORE.

As a consumer - be aware of your consultant’s qualifications. I have always found it ‘interesting’ that the hair loss industry is the only field where LLLT operators are not Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists or Doctors.

I saw a new male client this week who was (allegedly) being exposed to a 90 minute LLLT session once weekly at a commercial hair loss centre here in Sydney. Not only is this an over-saturation of cell and receptor exposure, but they risk long-term, permanent eye damage being inflicted on this man. I guess that’s why their clients have to pay the full fee ‘up front’ …

An Italian study in the 1990’s found LLLT over-saturation (sessions too long and too frequent) caused further hair loss in alopecia areata patients.

I am by nature a very determined person but working through the GOVT. RED TAPE to achieve some funding was a full time job in itself - and something I just could not devote so much time to. My hope now is that parents of children with AA, or AA Support Groups around the country may agitate enough that this devastating condition for parent and child may be looked at afresh.

It wasn’t a totally negative exercise though as it prompted me to write a practical guide of Do’s + Dont’s for parents confronting AA in their children for the first time: Alopecia Areata in Children - a Practical Approach will be soon available at my website.

The following information is included in my new article:

Whilst Alopecia areata is now confirmed as an autoimmune condition that often presents in ‘atopic’ individuals and their families, there must always be a precipitating event, disturbance or deficiency to activate the problem. ‘Stress’ has long been cited as the cause of alopecia areata - but ’stress’ takes many forms. It may (for example) be the physiological stress of Iodine deficiency - the trace element from which thyroid hormone is synthesised.

A 1990’s study of Alopecia areata in Bangladeshi children found more than 90% had antibodies to their thyroid glands. A study of Australian primary school age children found Iodine deficiency in greater than 50% of those tested (Eastman:2008). Vitamin D deficiency - incredibly a regularly-seen problem in Australians now - is known to ‘disorientate’ the body’s immune system so it commences ‘attacking’ vulnerable areas such as the thyroid gland (autoimmune thyroiditis) and the skin (hair follicles are appendages of the skin).

I wrote this to remind myself of the values important to me … if it helps anyone else that can only be a good thing….and it may help stop your hair from falling out!!…

• BE POSITIVE… seek the GOOD, HUMOROUS or the LESSON from any adverse situation…..
• BE BRAVE + COURAGEOUS IN LIFE… the paradox in the ‘Classroom of Life Experience’ is we’re usually given the ‘test’ before the instructive lesson… problems often don’t matter or are as insurmountable as they 1st appear….
• BE KIND + GENTLE WITH YOURSELF… how I relate to myself; kindly or self-critically influences my well-being, contentment + ability to cope with adversity….
• BE TOLERANT OF OTHER PEOPLE… we all have different drives + points of view. It’s easy to like someone who is like me but there’s more to be gained by relating to someone who is not…
• PEOPLE ARE ONLY DIFFERENT ON THE OUTSIDE… we all bleed red blood; turn every human inside-out + we are identical… the same emotions bring joy or sadness….it is humiliating to ME + diminishing to ALL human beings to judge someone based on race, skin colour, religion or how they live…evil people arise from every race or religion – as do GOOD people….
• VALUE PEOPLE… for the unique individuals they are…the worth of a person is NOT measured in what they do for a living; what they drive or where they live… worth is measured in the goodness of heart + spirit…
• DECIDE TO BE HAPPY… practice 9 happiness-boosting character qualities until they become me:
• Gratitude: be thankful for the goodness, kindness + opportunities bestowed…
• Optimism: optimism + positive thinking go hand-in-hand + are incompatible with their opposites…
• DON’T be pre-occupied with what others are doing…
• Practice acts of kindness – spontaneously + as often as I can…
• Be honest, loyal + supportive of friends + those I love …in order to be trusted I must be trustworthy….
• Practice learning to Forgive…unresolved anger or ill-feeling towards another is destructive to ME + affects my health + happiness…
• Savour life’s Joys… a laugh with friends, the fragrance of a spring evening, watching sunsets or the flow of the sea…
• Stay physically + mentally active… immerse your mind + body in pleasurable, fulfilling activities that bring a sense of accomplishment…
• Develop an awareness of + practice Spirituality… I believe we can only respect other human beings when we see them as fellow spiritual beings on a journey similar to our own….

Looking like a miniature soil aerator with needle-like spikes, this latest hair loss ‘accessory’ is sold for around $60 (or more) - or supplied as part of some extortionately overpriced treatment ‘program’.

I would strongly advise consumers NOT to purchase these gadgets - or use them if supplied. There is a high potential risk of scalp irritation or infection -particularly when used with topical Minoxidil or Minoxidil/Retin A solutions.

These spiky rollers damage the scalp’s outer layer of skin protection (termed epidermis) by causing microscopic cuts and abrasions. A contra-indication to using Minoxidil is it should not be applied to damaged skin.

I have seen an increasing number of young males with irritant reactions from this practice. If this is happening to you - immediately cease both the Minoxidil and the roller’s use - no matter what the sales consultant says.

I’d also advise consumers to seek out modern, low irritant Minoxidil formulations that contain non-propylene glycol (PG-free) absorption enhancers.

In my opinion, this useless (and potentially harmful) device should be scrutinised by the Dept. of Fair Trading with a view to banning its sale.

I cannot mention them by name because every time I do I am presented with a ‘shut your mouth’ demand from their lawyers….

HOWEVER a multinational hair loss company has really begun to plumb the depths of predatory sales opportunism by offering Genetic Testing for pre-pubescent boys of “any age” to determine if they’ll experience hair loss (male androgenic alopecia)…

So what’s the problem you ask…? …Isn’t this a good idea….?

First off - the ‘Hair Loss Consultant’ I had an over-the-phone conversation with had no idea what he was talking about. He was obviously keen for a sale + happy to chat - but it was rather obvious he was delivering a rehearsed presentation. His actual knowledge of androgenic alopecia + genetic testing was very limited…

Quote: “Male hair loss is a build-up of Testosterone which mixes in the body with 5-Alpha …boys can get it from their Mother or Father or ‘come out’ after FIVE generations….”*

Fact: In genetically-pre-disposed males - a percentage of the main male hormone Testosterone (TT) is converted to a more potent androgen (male hormones are known as androgens) - Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase (5-AR).

The onset of male androgenic thinning is determined by genetics, normal levels of male hormone and is part of the same hormonal changes that gives post-pubescent males their facial & body hair, muscle bulk, & deepening voice.

And whilst no young male wants to be losing his hair in his late teens or early 20’ - statistics suggest it’s more common for mature-age males to exhibit some degree of androgenic alopecia than not.

Dawber & Van Neste (2004) suggests 100% of young males will show some changes in the shape of their hairline (termed recession) following puberty - this does not always indicate the onset of androgenic alopecia.

This loquacious young salesman informed me the Genetic Test is like “an EARTHQUAKE meter for hair loss” in “anyone” who has yet to experience hair thinning….a “saliva swab inside both cheeks” which is then sent to “the States” –United States presumably not the Gulf States (+why not our specialist laboratories here?) – where their “Lab guy” –one man operation apparently - will report back to concerned parents on “how bad” their child’s potential risk is…”guaranteed 95% accurate…$395.00”.

The ‘Consultant’ stated the company could then plan a “treatment program” the child is likely to need to keep their hair…

Some Points for Parents to consider:

• Would any parent really want to put that stress on their child or teenager before the child emerges from puberty?
• Exhibiting male androgenic thinning post-puberty will still occur regardless; the approved treatment/s would be precisely the same whether genetically ‘pre-warned’ or not.
• Successfully stabilising genetic thinning in young males is quite straightforward with today’s approved pharmacy treatments – at significantly less expense than signing up with these companies.
• OR I might have it WRONG…this company might be intending to suggest the prescription drugs Finesteride (Propecia) or Minoxidil topical lotion or ‘laser’ to primary school boys or even pre-schoolers as a pre-emptive measure….??? The salesman did say it was for “anyone…any age”….
• Is there no conflict of interest here for the retired sports legend who’s paid big $$$$ to promote this company? He does have a Foundation for sick children in his name….
• Even if this is a legitimate test - would you want your genetic test results interpreted + ‘treatment planning’ undertaken by a sales consultant? I strongly suggest consumers consult their family Doctor or other medically-qualified Professional who specialises in hair loss problems.

*” is word-for-word quotes from the ‘Consultant’…

A review of their limited website information (www.ultrahair.com.au) indicates their market may primarily be fitting hair pieces in competition to ‘Shane’s mob. That being so I wish them every success in gaining a share of that market. If they offer a quality product + service (no pun intended) at a reasonable price they should go well.

I am left to wonder though what qualifies them to offer treatment for ‘female hair loss’ - particularly ‘post-partum’ hair loss? I find Ultra Tune’s - sorry - Ultra Hair’s use of the term ‘POST PARTUM’ especially intriguing; most non-medical people would not use this term to depict the Telogen Effluvium shed following childbirth - or even know that’s what it describes.

I use this description in researched articles at my website; I’ve NOT found this condition described at any other hair loss websites within Australia - thus I am left to wonder how Ultra Tune - sorry - Ultra Hair is experienced + qualified enough to offer the appropriate treatment for a such a specific condition?

Unlike genetically-inclined males whose balding is a secondary sex characteristic after puberty - hair loss in females is almost always an indicator for internal nutritional-metabolic-hormonal disturbance or deficiency. There are also many medical factors to consider in establishing the reason/s for - and subsequent treatment of hair loss in females.

Some deficiencies may also have implications for a woman’s long-term health, and diminishing scalp hair density is often a 1st sign.

Only in extreme circumstances is a hairpiece the solution to female hair loss problems. Laser therapy is a secondary line of treatment only whilst the underlying cause/s are being treated.

In one area or another I have worked in Health for 36 years. I’ve been a qualified Trichologist who specialises in female hair + scalp problems for over a decade. I am an Associate Member of the Australasian College of Nutritional + Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). I am mentored by some of Australia’s FOREMOST medical + pharmaceutical researchers…and I STILL (from time to time) find the reason/s for hair loss in some female patients very complex - requiring such specific pathology investigation that the patient’s own Doctor may not always be familiar with…

I doubt women seeking treatment would find that level of expertise in a hair replacement company that’s an off-shoot of a motor vehicle servicing franchise.