Hair Loss for Women - Anthony Pearce

Hereditary Hair Loss not always Genetic

As a Trichologist* specialising in female hair loss I've treated thousands of women across the world for thinning scalp hair.<br><br>

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 –pattern' thinning in women. One is manageable but not presently curable, whilst the other is often the result of metabolic homeostasis compensation mechanisms AND may be corrected. <br><br>

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 collectively 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*.<br><br>

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. <br><br>

The majority of women presenting with pattern hair thinning show (in my opinion), acquired pattern alopecia due to the cascading affects metabolic/hormonal and sometimes nutritional disturbance within a number of body systems. <br><br>

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 often be imbalanced; with elevated Testosterone (TT) and/or DHEA – the Adrenal gland endeavoring to stimulate thyroid function. <br><br>

The research of Dr. John Lee –Australia's most prolific thyroid researcher – advocates the geneses of these problems are frequently found in deficient iron storage (termed -ferritin') and other nutrients – particularly Vitamin D + Iodine - essential to metabolic function. <br><br>

Adequate iron storage is essential to -furnace' intracellular energy output, from which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is produced. To generate sufficient & quality ATP, iron storage (termed Ferritin) of 120-150ug/L (within a reference range of 20-300ug/L) is essential for optimal metabolic & liver detoxification functioning in a younger adult person*. Metabolic (thyroid) activity & Phase II liver detoxification pathways is ATP dependant. <br><br>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 –pattern' thinning in women. One is manageable but not presently curable, whilst the other is often the result of metabolic homeostasis compensation mechanisms AND may be corrected.

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 collectively 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 pattern hair thinning show (in my opinion), acquired pattern alopecia due to the cascading affects metabolic/hormonal and sometimes nutritional 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 often be imbalanced; with elevated Testosterone (TT) and/or DHEA – the Adrenal gland endeavoring to stimulate thyroid function.

The research of Dr. John Lee –Australia's most prolific thyroid researcher – advocates the geneses of these problems are frequently found in deficient iron storage (termed -ferritin') and other nutrients – particularly Vitamin D + Iodine - essential to metabolic function.

Adequate iron storage is essential to -furnace' intracellular energy output, from which adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) is produced. To generate sufficient & quality ATP, iron storage (termed Ferritin) of 120-150ug/L (within a reference range of 20-300ug/L) is essential for optimal metabolic & liver detoxification functioning in a younger adult person*. Metabolic (thyroid) activity & Phase II liver detoxification pathways is 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. Iron -switches on' on ALL other body systems + functions – hence its fundamental importance.

A dual presentation of -pattern' AND -diffuse' scalp hair density thinning will be evident in some women.

Older post-menopausal women (>65+) will often show a decline in overall scalp hair density as well as pattern thinning. This is in part due to the ageing process and post-menopausal decline in female and metabolic (thyroid/adrenal) hormones. They are frequently Vitamin D (or other nutrient) deficient and a blood pathology baseline should always be assessed.

In the very complex way body systems influence & compensate for each other, weaker male hormones – produced in the adrenal glands - are up-converted to Testosterone (TT), and used as an auxiliary -fuel source' to ATP. Some of this Testosterone is further up-converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT has a miniaturising influence on -androgen-sensitive' hair follicles across the top of the scalp.

Increased facial or body hair (hypertrichosis) 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 in women & decreased testosterone in males.

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.

Adrenal hormone production (including Cortisol) cannot be sustained at elevated levels indefinitely, and ultimately results in adrenal fatigue or adrenal -burnout'. Low Cortisol levels adversely influence thyroid function – particularly with a concomitant Vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L). Symptoms of low or high Cortisol OR hypothyroidism frequently mimic the other.

Successfully treating women for hair loss problems requires careful review of their medical, nutritional, hormonal & lifestyle history undertaken in an organised & sequential way. Specific baseline blood & functional 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 -band-aiding' the symptoms can then be undertaken.

*Some older women may show frontal hairline margin recession – with or without fibrosing. **A ferritin of around 90-120ug/L is adequate for a child of senior primary school age or a post-menopausal woman. Tony Pearce WTS is a Specialist Trichologist of female hair loss + scalp problems. He is a Member of the World Trichology Society and Vitamin D Council (USA) + an Associate Member of the Australasian College of Nutritional + Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Tony currently has clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, Victoria. His offers an informational website + online consultation service at www.hairlossclinic.com.au

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. Iron -switches on' on ALL other body systems + functions – hence its fundamental importance. <br><br>

A dual presentation of -pattern' AND -diffuse' scalp hair density thinning will be evident in some women. <br><br>

Older post-menopausal women (>65+) will often show a decline in overall scalp hair density as well as pattern thinning. This is in part due to the ageing process and post-menopausal decline in female and metabolic (thyroid/adrenal) hormones. They are frequently Vitamin D (or other nutrient) deficient and a blood pathology baseline should always be assessed. <br><br>

In the very complex way body systems influence & compensate for each other, weaker male hormones – produced in the adrenal glands - are up-converted to Testosterone (TT), and used as an auxiliary -fuel source' to ATP. Some of this Testosterone is further up-converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT has a miniaturising influence on -androgen-sensitive' hair follicles across the top of the scalp. <br><br>

Increased facial or body hair (hypertrichosis) 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. <br><br>

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. <br><br>

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 in women & decreased testosterone in males. <br><br>

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. <br><br>

Adrenal hormone production (including Cortisol) cannot be sustained at elevated levels indefinitely, and ultimately results in adrenal fatigue or adrenal -burnout'. Low Cortisol levels adversely influence thyroid function – particularly with a concomitant Vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L). Symptoms of low or high Cortisol OR hypothyroidism frequently mimic the other. <br><br>

Successfully treating women for hair loss problems requires careful review of their medical, nutritional, hormonal & lifestyle history undertaken in an organised & sequential way. Specific baseline blood & functional 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 -band-aiding' the symptoms can then be undertaken. <br><br>

*Some older women may show frontal hairline margin recession – with or without fibrosing.

**A ferritin of around 90-120ug/L is adequate for a child of senior primary school age or a post-menopausal woman.

<b>Tony Pearce</b> WTS is a Specialist Trichologist of female hair loss + scalp problems. He is a Member of the World Trichology Society and Vitamin D Council (USA) + an Associate Member of the Australasian College of Nutritional + Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Tony currently has clinics in Sydney and Melbourne, Victoria. His offers an informational website + online consultation service at <a href="http://www. hairlossclinic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.hairlossclinic.com.au</a><br><br>