Hair Loss
Hair Loss
Hair loss is an affliction that may affect both men and women. In order to accurately determine the cause of hair loss, and thus treat the cause rather than only the symptoms, a series of tests should be performed.
These tests include:
Vitamin D, iron studies, thyroid studies, adrenal (DHEA/cortisol), Testosterone, DHT. Women should also have progesterone and estrogens tested.
If any of these are found to be abnormal action should be taken to restore levels back into the optimal physiological range. In addition to this the use of certain hair lotions can help improve hair growth.
Androgenic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness)
95% of people who suffer from hair loss have androgenic alopecia. In men, the pattern of hair loss usually starts with thinning on the crown or a receding hairline which advances to the top of the head. In women, it appears as diffuse hair loss or thinning over most of the scalp. The cause of androgenic alopecia is due to the presence of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is produced by the enzyme 5-alpha -reductase which converts testosterone to DHT. Inhibiting the action of this enzyme prevents DHT production and therefore treats the cause of hair loss which has become the focus of much research on hair loss. Excessive DHT is thought to cause hair follicles in specific areas to begin to change to smaller less active ones. The hair shaft narrows, producing progressively finer hairs with each new growth cycle until eventually the hair becomes transparent and does not emerge.
Treatment:
Minoxidil/Azelaic Acid/Arginine Hair Lotion - Over the Counter
This combination generates new hair growth more effectively by using a combination of drugs with complementary modes of action. Firstly, 5% Minoxidil appears to work by gradually enlarging and lengthening hair follicles that that have been gradually shrinking. Secondly, a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase has been included to prevent the formation of DHT, which prevents further hair loss by addressing the cause of the problem. Finally, Arginine is also included which helps increase nitric oxide production which is used by the hair follicle to maintain and promote new hair growth,This triple action is more effective than the single ingredient treatments currently on the market. The lotion (1ml) must be used morning and night for 2 to 4 months to see evidence of new growth and up to 6 months to get a proper estimate of weather it will work for you. It must be continually used to be effective. Once treatment has ended the hair will return to its original state in about 3 months.
Extra Additives - If these additives are required legally a script is essential for supply.
Extra additives may be added to the hair lotion above to increase its effectiveness. These include:
*Retinoic Acid has been shown to increase cell turnover thus increasing the rate of hair growth. It has also been shown to increase the absorption of Minoxidil making it even more effective, allowing the hair to grow even faster. Retinoic acid may increase sensitivity to sunlight so extended periods of sun exposure should be avoided. If sensitivity to light is a problem it may be overcome by using this preparation at night while the preparation mentioned above can be used for the morning applications.
* Spironalactone is an anti-androgen which binds to androgen receptors in the scalp thus preventing testosterone and DHT from binding to their receptors. In addition it also reduces the production of DHT from testosterone thus effectively treating the cause of hair loss. Due to its instability with minoxidil we recommend to use a seperate spironolactone hair lotion rather than including it into the lotion above. When applied together no such problem occurs.
* Progesterone also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and may be used in a hair lotion for extra effects.
* Higher strength 7.5% Minoxidil is also available on script to increase potency.
Unlike other hair loss lotions on the market ours does not contain any propylene glycol which may cause scalp irritation. In addition the cost of our lotion is very competitive compared to hair loss clinics giving you great savings. See our ordering page on how to order!
Finasteride - Prescription Required
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which has approved for use in men. It does not benefit women with hair loss. Finasteride helps prevent miniaturisation of existing hair follicles and also assist in the recruitment of miniaturised hair follicles to become terminal hairs (larger and thicker). Finasteride (1mg) is a tablet that manufacturers recommend should be taken daily however some evidence suggests lower doses less frequently may be just as effective. It must be taken for a period of 3 months or more before any benefit is seen and it must be continued in order to maintain any benefits.
An increasing number of men are suffering from the side effects of Finasteride long after therapy has been discontinued. These side effects include erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue, etc. Several theories exist which may explain why this occurs however there is not a definitive answer yet. We have helped rebalance several men’s hormones after they had been disrupted due to this drug. Therefore you should weigh the risks before comensing such therapy.
Nutritional Recommendations
The amino acid L-lysine has been found to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme and requires a 700mg daily dose. Beta sitosterol is another natural enzyme inhibitor requiring 300mg a day. The amino acid L-arginine helps increase nitric oxide production which is used by the hair follicle to maintain and promote new hair growth. It requires 900mg a day for this effect.
Iron deficiencies may cause hair loss and if tested and found to be below optimal levels supplementation should be considered using an organic form of iron such as ferrous fumerate or iron amino acid chelate.
Adrenal support may be required in some patients as the increase in testosterone can result from adrenal fatigue as the body attempts to utilize an alternate energizing hormone.
Hair Loss Caused by Hormone Imbalance
Hair loss may be due to a hormone imbalance or deficiency. The hormonal imbalances can include:
* In some cases it can be caused by an overproduction of androgenic hormones. Excess body fat may store androgens such as DHEA and testosterone which cause hair loss. If appropriate weight loss should be considered to reduce testosterone and DHEA levels thus returning normal hair growth. Anti-androgens may also be used in these cases and may include: progesterone, spironolactone, cimetidine, cyproterone and finasteride.
A popular product in these cases is the minoxidil/azelaic acid mixture mentioned above mixed with spironolactone added for increased effectiveness.
* Estrogen replacement may also help to counteract the excessive androgen effects on hair follicles. However in rare cases the extra estrogen may be converted into testosterone by 5-alpha-reductase and thus exacerbate the problem.
To avoid this a low dose estradiol hair lotion is available which is applied directly on the scalp thus minimising the chances of converting into testosterone.
* If a women’s progesterone levels decrease the body responds by increasing the adrenal hormone androstenedione, an alternative precursor for sex hormone production. This hormone has androgenic properties causing hair loss. By restoring progesterone levels through supplementation the level of androstenedione will return to normal and hair growth should return in four to six months in most women. However in rare cases progesterone supplementation may exacerbate further hair loss possibly due to an increased production of testosterone. Levels should be monitored to ensure this does not occur.
Again, to avoid this bioidentical progesterone hair lotion is available which is applied to the scalp for a targetted action and less chance of conversion into testosterone
* Low thyroid function (TSH<2) may also cause hair loss. Thyroid function should be tested to determine if it is the cause. If so thyroid hormone supplementation will return normal hair growth after several months.
As you can see hair loss is an individual matter and hormones should be monitored to determine the exact cause so the treatment received is appropriate.
In order to arrange a consultation or alternatively to obtain more information you can contact us.
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