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Hair loss is influenced by the transformation of testosterone

An estimated 50 million men and 25 million women suffer from hair loss in the United States. Unfortunately for men, high testosterone is one of the main reasons for hair loss, and therefore that is why women don’t have hair loss problems nearly as often as men. Furthermore, some women who have too much testosterone can shed hair in a patterned manner. However, testosterone itself does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is influenced by the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The enzyme 5-alpha reductase ( 5 AR) converts testosterone to DHT. The enzyme 5 AR is produced in the prostate, various adrenal glands, and the scalp. DHT acts by binding to special receptor sites on the cells of the hair follicles to cause the specific changes associated with balding. Over time, the action of DHT causes the hair follicle to shed faster by shortening the anagen phase. DHT successively diminishes or miniaturizes follicle size, producing ever weaker hairs. With a steadily shorter anagen growing cycle, more hair is shed with the hair getting thinner and thinner until they become too fine to survive daily wear and tear. Add to this a hereditary predisposition to hair loss, and chances are that over time, the hair will thin and lead to baldness. Genetics plays a major role in the expression of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to the hair-altering compound dihydrotestosterone, leading to a family trait that has a tendency towards balding.

One should keep in mind that the presence of the necessary genes and hormones are not, in on themselves sufficient to cause baldness. The reaction also requires time of exposure of susceptible hair follicles to the hormone for hair loss to begin. The time required for this to start varies from one individual to another and is related to a person’s genetic expression and sometimes to the levels of testosterone in his bloodstream. When a man experiences male pattern baldness, it appears that the hair follicles on his head have an extreme response and sensitivity to DHT. The follicles get broken to the point that they are no longer capable of producing hair.

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Hair Loss Solution with Stem Cells

The term adult stem cell refers to any cell which is found in a developed organism that has two properties: the ability to divide and create another cell like itself and also divide and create a cell more differentiated than itself.

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Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Research in the stem cell field grew out of findings by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till in the 1960s. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues.

Stem cells can now be grown and transformed into specialized cells with characteristics consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture. Highly plastic adult stem cells from a variety of sources, including umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, are routinely used in medical therapies. Embryonic cell lines and autologous embryonic stem cells generated through therapeutic cloning have also been proposed as promising candidates for future therapies.

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Genes rather than stress 'makes women's hair go grey'

       http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8386476.stm

There was very little difference in the greying of identical twins
A woman’s genes are much more likely than lifestyle factors such as stress or diet to cause greying hair, a study suggests.

Unilever scientists studied more than 200 identical and non-identical Danish twin sisters aged between 59 and 81.

The scientists found little difference between the greyness of the identical twins – who share the same genes.

But there was more difference between non-identical twins, whose genes differ, the study found.

The study, published in the journal PLoS One, also suggests receding hair is linked to mainly genetic factors.

But it indicates hair-thinning on the top of the head is connected to environmental and lifestyle factors.

Greying hair is not down to something you have done, but to genetic factors beyond your control

Nina Goad
British Association of Dermatologists

There were more differences among non-identical twins

On the issue of greying hair, lead researcher Dr David Gunn said although many theories had been put forward to explain different rates of greying, there was little hard scientific evidence to back them up.
He said: “This study offers us a fascinating insight into the reason why women go grey and it certainly suggests that environmental factors are not as important as we once thought.

“The research indicates that irrespective of how stressful a woman’s life is, there are greater forces at play which are more likely to cause her hair to grey.”

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said previous work had also found few identifiable environmental factors among people who went grey much earlier than their relatives.

“This means that for the majority of people, greying hair is not down to something you have done, but to genetic factors beyond your control, and that generally your lifestyle will not greatly impact on when your hair loses its colour,” she said.

“There are of course exceptions to this rule.”

Dr David Fisher, of the Dana Faber Cancer Institute, who had has conducted research into greying, agreed that genetics probably played a key role in controlling when hair turned grey.

However, he said there was also some evidence to suggest exposure to certain types of chemical could also promote greying.

NOW! Hair loss is a thing of the past. TAKE ACTION TODAY and speak to a Westminster Trichologist before it is too late! 

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Hair Loss – The Effect of Vitamins and Nutrition on Hair.

The Effect of Vitamins and Nutrition on Hair

Whilst most cases of hair loss in men and women are caused by genetics, medical problems or hormonal imbalances, nutrition plays a part in maintaining healthy hair. This article discusses the importance of good nutrition and how deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can lead or contribute to male and female hair loss.

If you are suffering from male hair loss or female hair loss, contact us today to arrange your free hair loss diagnosis. Call us on 0207 976 6868  to book your appointment.

The Importance of Good Nutrition
Your hair is just as responsive to a healthy diet as your body is. Deficiencies in Iron, B complex vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acids are likely to cause or contribute to hair loss.

To maintain a healthy head of hair it is important to eat a varied and well balanced diet. This should include protein from white meat and fish, whole grain carbohydrates including brown pasta and rice, healthy fats from oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The suggestions above are just a starting point and it is a good idea to read up on nutrition and explore different foods that are available. The more variety you can get into your diet, the better it will be.

If possible it is best to get most of the vitamins and minerals required for healthy hair from the diet that you eat. This will ensure you receive a balanced amount of each and they are easily absorbed. 

The vitamins needed to maintain a healthy head of hair are essentially, A, B, C, E  and H together with a selection of minerals. We will examine these in greater detail below.

Vitamins for Healthy Hair

Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes healthy cell and tissue growth in many parts of the body and in particular, the scalp and hair. Deficiencies in this vital vitamin lead to hair loss and dandruff.

Vitamin A Sources

Green leafy vegetables
Fruits
Liver
Eggs
Fish oil

It is possible to have too much vitamin A. It builds up in the body and this can be detrimental. Therefore always take professional advice before taking Vitamin A supplements.

Vitamin B
The B vitamin complex is broken down into many categories and a deficiency in one of these areas can lead to hair loss. We rely on vitamins, B6 and B12 together with Folic acid in the creation of haemoglobin. This is essential for carrying oxygen around the body and to the hair cells.

Vitamin B Sources

Meat
Fish
Milk
Whole grain
Eggs
Brewer’s yeast
Turkey
Fresh fruit

It is not possible to have too much B vitamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin and so does not build up in the same way as vitamin A.

The B vitamins that prevent hair loss are as follows:
Vitamin B3 (niacin)  – this allows proper blood circulation in the scalp region
Vitamin B5 (panthenol) – this helps prevent hair loss and assists in hair re-growth
Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 – this helps in the growth of healthy hair

Vitamin C
As well as a useful preventative against cold and flu, Vitamin C helps to strengthen hair.

Vitamin C Sources

Citrus fruits
Red and green peppers
Kiwis
Pineapples
Strawberries

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an anti oxidation agent that ensures rapid circulation of blood to the hair follicles helping them to grow strong and healthy.

Vitamin E Sources

Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Vegetable oil
Tomatoes and tomato products
Mixed nuts
Carrot juice
Broccoli
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Greens

Vitamin H
Vitamin H or biotin prevents premature greying of hair and is essential for stopping the loss of hair.    

Vitamin H Sources

Beans
Breads
Brewer’s yeast
Cauliflower
Egg yolks
Fish
Kidney
Legumes
Meat
Dairy products
Nuts
Oatmeal
Oysters
Poultry
Wheat germ
Whole grains

Iron
Whilst iron is not a vitamin, it is vital in maintaining the health of your hair. Many women suffer from a lack of Iron after pregnancy and this is never more obvious than in the condition of their hair. Iron tablets are readily available to combat this and when treated, it is not a problem that lasts.

Iron Sources
Red meat
Eggs
Pulses
Green leafy vegetables
Dried fruit
Fortified breakfast cereals

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Nutritional Effects on Hair Growth

Good nutrition will obviously be beneficial to the body, skin and hair. Regular meals are essential and should contain a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Since most of us eat too many fats and sugar, deficiency of these is extremely rare. A good diet should include white meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, salads, wholemeal grains either rice or bread or pasta. Sugar, chocolate, sweets and cakes, eggs, butter, milk and cheese should be taken only in moderation except for children who need the last four items for calcium content for bone growth.

Excessive or extreme dieting or fasting is dangerous and often causes diffuse hair loss due to changes in the body’s metabolism. This is reversible with sensible dietary advice.

Hair loss is a common symptom of Anorexia Nervosa where people, usually teenage girls, create a distorted self image and starve themselves to achieve this. Bulemia – compulsive eating followed by self induced vomiting has the same effect. In extreme cases excessive body and facial hair may grow due to dysfunction of the adrenal glands.

Since many people in the world are overweight, strenuous dieting often causes a deficiency of carbohydrates, sometimes known as carbohydrate anorexia.

Carbohydrates are used by the body to create energy. Energy input must equal energy output. If you diet, cut down on fats and sugars, carbohydrates are essential. Many women and some men do not bother to have a breakfast. Even eating one slice of toast in the morning can help to solve some diffuse or general hair loss problems.

Buying large quantities of vitamins and minerals is no substitute for a well balanced healthy diet

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