by Anthony Pearce RN

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.

Mr. Pearce has found the majority of women in the 30-50 years age group present with what he has termed 'acquired pattern alopecia'. These women usually reveal a dual picture of female pattern thinning with an underlying diffuse ('all over') hair loss.

Acquired pattern alopecia occurs in susceptible women due to those perennial nemeses - insufficient iron and low metabolic (thyroid gland) activity.

Symptoms of low metabolic activity are familiar to many women: fatigue, thinning hair density, weight gain - particularly around the central abdominal area and thighs; 'foggy' thinking or poor memory, continuously-cold hands and feet, diminished sex drive, and disturbed sleep.

When iron levels are too low to 'furnace' mitochondrial ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) formation, a compensatory response will increase testosterone (TT) production which is then utilised as an alternate energy source for the body. Mitochondria are the 'power houses' of cells from which we formed. Metabolic activity and liver detoxification pathways are ATP dependant, whilst other active cells such as those found in muscle and kidneys, consume ATP at a very high rate.

Some of this 'free' Testosterone is up-converted from weaker male hormones (produced in the adrenal glands) to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which has a miniaturising influence on 'androgen-sensitive' hair follicles across the top of the scalp. Male hormones are collectively known androgens.

Increased facial/body hair (hypertrichosis) often accompanies female pattern thinning because these follicles are stimulated in the presence of male hormone. Alterations of mood are also not uncommon - presenting as increased aggressiveness, impatience, intolerance, or a low level agitated anxiety.

Mr. Pearce's mentor on hormonal issues - Dr. John Lee - found iron storage levels should be at least 125ug/L to generate sufficient quality ATP. Dr. Lee is recognised as one of Australia's most prolific thyroid researchers.

The usual reference range for iron storage (termed 'ferritin') is 20-300ug/L**, but women of child-bearing age often reveal levels of only 10-60ug/L - or less.

"Lack of available iron to 'drive' a woman's body compounds her hair loss problems" says Mr. Pearce, "for in terms of nutrient supply the hair is a non-essential tissue, and the body will divert iron and other nutrients away from the hair to supply more vital tissues".

The wonderful news for women is acquired pattern thinning is totally manageable if not potentially curable! The answer lies not in medicating with unpredictable anti-male hormone drugs or contraceptives, but in raising iron levels and metabolic activity. Aside from the improvements in hair quality and density, a woman's 'quality of life' will also return as she gains greater energy, hormone balance, is able to maintain her weight, as well as other numerous positive outcomes.

*A qualified Trichologist has studied & successfully completed a recognised Academic Trichology Educational Program. **Ranges may vary between Pathology Services. References for this article are available on request.

About the Author

Tony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist & Registered Nurse. He is a founding member of the Society for Progressive Trichology & the official lecturer for Analytical Reference Laboratory (ARL) for hair loss & hormone imbalance. He is the Clinical Director for Trichology Hair Solutions of Virginia/DC in the United States - www.thehairlossclinic.com.

In Australia he can be contacted on +61 2 9542 2700, or through his website at www.hairlossclinic.com.au.

source:www.goarticles.com