Female Hair Loss
By Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
Low iron levels could arguably be considered the common factor in women's hair loss. It's often the primary cause, but just as frequently found to be an underlying contributor - aggravating or exposing other problems such as genetic thinning or alopecia areata.
From 'menarche to menopause', the requirement a woman has for iron is considerable. Rapid growth into, and the activity of adolescence, an average 40 years of menstruation, childbirth, family and career pressures, can all contribute to keeping iron stores low. If the woman is then vegetarian or consumes little red meat and tends to experience heavy periods, then she's at high risk to be iron deficient or even anemic.
Women seeking treatment will relate a history of slow, decreasing hair density from their entire scalp. This may have transpired over some months or even years, and obvious hair shedding is not always apparent to the sufferer. They frequently report accompanying symptoms such as low energy, dry skin, lusterless hair, and/or sensitivity to cold temperature. They may also complain of feeling breathless, pale complexion, or heart palpitations.
Naturopathic indications might include a bright red 'meaty' tongue, nails that are flat, square-edged, or thin with an upward 'spoon-like' curl. Iridologists would also note iris changes within the eye.
'Iron studies' is the diagnostic blood test to accurately determine iron status. Within these, the ferritin or iron storage reference range is between 20-200ug/L*. However research suggests that a woman's ferritin should be around 80ug/l not to be inhibiting any treatment response.
The treatment for iron deficiency usually means increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods and/or taking iron supplements for a determined period of time. Lean red meat is the food source of choice to help increase iron storage levels. The iron in animal protein is better absorbed and more efficiently utilized than that of vegetables or grains.
Iron supplements with added Vitamin C help to increase absorption by reducing ferric to ferrous iron, which is then used more efficiently by the body. The latest research shows that amino acid complexes dramatically improve an iron supplement's absorption when taken together. Zinc or vitamin E taken excessively can interfere with iron absorption.
Hormonal Imbalance and Hair Loss in Women
By Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
Depending on the personal perspective of the practitioner, treating women's hormonal hair loss can either be a very challenging or very frustrating experience indeed! What cannot be denied is General Practitioners, Dermatologists, Trichologists, Natural Therapists, and even Hairdressers are seeing more women - and younger women - with hair loss from hormonal origins than ever before.
Half a century ago female androgenetic alopecia, also termed female pattern genetic thinning, was almost exclusively a problem of post-menopausal women. Following menopause the female sex hormone produced by the ovaries (& the adrenal glands to a lesser extent) diminish, but androgen (male hormone) production continues at the same level. In susceptible women this may then show as a thinning of scalp hair in a genetic pattern, with sometimes-excessive facial or body hair, termed 'hirsuitism'.
It's estimated than more than one third of all post-menopausal women will now exhibit this condition to some degree.
The exponential rise in the numbers of younger women developing genetic thinning is multi-factorial, but is thought to be in part due to the introduction of synthetic hormones used in contraceptive and hormone replacement therapies.
Additionally, modern society's continuous exposure to xenohormones, which have the potential to disrupt the hormonal and reproductive capacity of all living creatures, are also thought to be a predominant factor. Xenohormones are found in solvents and adhesives, nearly all plastics, pesticides, motor vehicle emissions, and the meat of livestock "bulked up" by hormones and antibiotics. Xenohormones exert hormonal - mainly oestrogenic effects, and are suspected to play a role in triggering a number of reproductive and autoimmune disturbances in susceptible persons.
Typically a presenting woman will be in her mid-thirties to mid-fifties, but often younger. She may be pre or post-menopausal, or undergone hysterectomy for irregular, heavy periods, uterine fibroids, or cervical/uterine cancer.
She will often relate a familiar picture of irregular periods in cycle and/or flow. Breast tenderness, cramping or bloating, (especially pre-menstrually), irritability and/or feelings of depressed mood are common, as are decreased libido, headaches (again, especially pre-menstrually), sensitivity to cooler temperatures, memory recall difficulty, body weight increase, poor sleep patterns, thinning scalp hair, and facial/body hirsuitism. What symptoms individual women demonstrate will vary, but any combination of these is a good diagnostic indicator of possible hormone imbalance.
Hormonal hair loss may originate from a number of causes such as increased prolactin levels associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, failure to ovulate in a premenopausal woman, or some other physiological disturbance causing her body to produce excessive amounts of male hormone.
When a woman consistently fails to ovulate, her body does not produce the hormone progesterone in any significant amount. In a complex 'negative feedback' mechanism, the body attempts to compensate for the low progesterone levels by increasing the adrenal glands' production of a steroid hormone termed Androstenedione. Androstenedione can exert androgenetic effects such as thinning of scalp hair in a genetic pattern, excessive facial or body hair, 'T-zone' facial oiliness or acne.
Severe or prolonged emotional/physiological stress, dieting, or heavy exercise regimes are the more common reasons for ovulation failure in a premenopausal woman. Again, severe or prolonged emotional/physiological stress, post-hysterectomy, following childbirth or the use of certain contraceptive/hormone replacement therapies can, in susceptible women, trigger scalp hair thinning in an androgenetic way.
Current Management of Hormonal Hair Loss:
For some time now the accepted treatment regime for female androgenetic alopecia has centred on some form of oral hormonal therapy, either as prescription anti-male hormone medication (Androcur/Aldactone) or phytohormones. Phytohormones are plant compounds that activate hormone receptors in the body, to convey mild, hormone-like effects. Whilst both are most effectively used combination with the topical solution Minoxidil, results vary considerably and tend to be somewhat "hit or miss".
Hormonal profiling is the specific way to assess whether or not a woman's hormones are in balance. This is most accurately achieved through either saliva or blood testing. However, because premenopausal hormone levels often vary from day to day, it's vital that "patterns" of symptoms over time are assessed, and assessed in conjunction with the woman's "total picture" of diet, stress levels, lifestyle, medical history, and blood test results. Only then can the appropriate Natural Hormone Replacement (NHR) be prescribed to achieve the optimum results.
Minoxidil remains the only topical lotion medically approved to stimulate follicle hair growth. Under various brand names, Minoxidil is available 'over the counter' in 2% and 5% strengths. However these commercial preparations are known to be poorly absorbed, and the propylene glycol additive is the predominant cause of the itching/flaking scalp side effects.
In recent times, research was undertaken to develop a Minoxidil-based lotion and combine it with specific additives that directly block androgen influences on the hair follicle. Because this occurs within the local area of the scalp, its action is more specifically targeted, and unwanted side effects are minimised.
This Minoxidil solution used in combination with the NHR is now considered the specific treatment regime for women's hair loss of hormonal origin.
If you are concerned about hair loss it is important you consult a qualified person with the appropriate skills, experience, and treatment options. Never hesitate to enquire as to the consultant's qualifications and experience. Be very cautious of individuals seeking large sums of money "up front" as deposits/part payments.
* Reference ranges may vary.