Copper Deficiency: A New Reason for Androgenetic Alopecia?

May 2014 in “ InTech eBooks ”

Margarita G. Skalnaya

copper deficiency androgenetic alopecia trace elements hair growth nutritional interventions hormonal therapy AGA

TLDR Copper deficiency may cause hair loss, and treating it could involve nutrition and hormones.

The study found that copper deficiency was statistically significant in men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia (AA) compared to the control group. The study suggests that copper deficiency may be a new reason for androgenetic alopecia. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of trace elements in hair growth and suggests that a comprehensive approach to treatment, including nutritional interventions and hormonal therapy, may be necessary to effectively treat AGA.

View this study on intechopen.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Promising Therapies for Treating and Preventing Androgenic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2012 in “PubMed”

There are potential treatments for pattern baldness, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research A Comparative Study of Dyslipidemia in Men and Women with Androgenic Alopecia

37 citations , January 2010 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

People with early onset baldness have higher bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, increasing their heart disease risk.

research The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source

159 citations , July 2006 in “Endocrine Reviews”

Estrogens significantly influence hair growth by interacting with receptors in hair follicles and may help regulate the hair growth cycle.

research The Modulation of Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells by Dexamethasone: A Novel Mechanism for Selective Action of Estrogen via Estrogen Receptor Beta?

65 citations , May 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Dexamethasone may influence hair growth by altering estrogen receptor activity in hair cells.

research Hair Cycle Control by Estrogens: Catagen Induction via Estrogen Receptor Alpha Is Checked by ER Beta Signaling

92 citations , February 2005 in “Endocrinology”

Estrogen receptors affect hair growth, with ER beta slowing down the hair cycle changes caused by ER alpha.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Low iron levels may be linked to some types of hair loss in women.

research 17α-Estradiol Induces Aromatase Activity in Intact Human Anagen Hair Follicles Ex Vivo

94 citations , August 2002 in “Experimental Dermatology”

17α-estradiol boosts aromatase activity in female hair follicles, potentially helping with hair loss.

research Enzymology of the Hair Follicle

31 citations , August 2001 in “PubMed”

Hair follicles convert androgens, affecting hair loss patterns.

research Influence of Estrogens on Androgen Metabolism in Different Subunits of Human Hair Follicles

41 citations , July 2001 in “PubMed”

Estrogens can reduce DHT production in hair follicles, but are less effective than finasteride and progesterone.

Prolactin Signaling Influences the Timing Mechanism of the Hair Follicle: Analysis of Hair Growth Cycles in Prolactin Receptor Knockout Mice

research Prolactin Signaling Influences the Timing Mechanism of the Hair Follicle: Analysis of Hair Growth Cycles in Prolactin Receptor Knockout Mice

73 citations , June 2001 in “Endocrinology”

Prolactin affects when mice shed and grow hair.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss

research Quantitative Analysis of Selected Circulating Hematological Biomarkers, Essential Minerals, Vitamins, and Thyroid Hormones in Females Affected by Hair Loss

October 2025 in “Diseases”

Women with hair loss often have deficiencies in iron, vitamins, minerals, and lower thyroid function, suggesting the need for nutritional and hormonal treatment.

research A Scientific Hypothesis on the Role of Nutritional Supplements for Effective Management of Hair Loss and Promoting Hair Regrowth

3 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of nutritional health & food science”

Nutritional supplements can help manage hair loss and promote hair growth by strengthening hair roots and countering harmful effects of pollution, smoking, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.

research Safety And Efficacy Of Nutrition-Based Interventions For Hair

January 2020

research An Updated Etiology of Hair Loss and the New Cosmeceutical Paradigm in Therapy: Clearing the Big Eight Strikes

July 2023 in “Cosmetics”

New treatments for hair loss should target eight main causes and use specific plant compounds and peptides for better results.

research Gray Hair: From Prevention to Treatment

June 2025 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Gray hair can potentially be managed or reversed with treatments that boost melanin production and address nutritional deficiencies.