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

Studysummary This review discusses the genetic and androgen-related factors in androgenetic alopecia, highlighting a specific polymorphism in the AR protein associated with male pattern hair loss, and reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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.

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Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research Promising Therapies for Treating and Preventing Androgenic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2012 in “PubMed”

This review discusses various treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, ketoconazole, and experimental options, but reports limited clinical trial evidence for efficacy.

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

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

This study found that both men and women with androgenic alopecia had significantly higher triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C and lower HDL-C levels than controls, suggesting increased dyslipidemia prevalence.

research The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source

159 citations , July 2006 in “Endocrine Reviews”

This article discusses the influence of estrogens on hair follicle growth and metabolism, suggesting a significant role alongside androgens in hair growth control but reports no new clinical results.

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”

This study found that dexamethasone significantly reduced ERα mRNA levels and increased aromatase mRNA and activity in cultured human hair follicle dermal papilla cells, suggesting a glucocorticoid-dependent mechanism for estradiol action.

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

92 citations , February 2005 in “Endocrinology”

This study found that estrogen receptor beta plays a significant role in murine hair growth control, potentially acting as a silencer of estrogen receptor alpha's catagen-promoting effects.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

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

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

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

94 citations , August 2002 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that 17α‐estradiol increases aromatase activity in female hair follicles, which may explain its beneficial effects in treating androgenetic alopecia.

research Enzymology of the Hair Follicle

31 citations , August 2001 in “PubMed”

This review discusses the role of androgen metabolism in hair follicles and its potential impact on future treatments for androgenetic alopecia, but reports no clinical results.

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

41 citations , July 2001 in “PubMed”

This study reported that while finasteride and progesterone significantly inhibited dihydrotestosterone synthesis in dermal papillae, estrogens were less effective.

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”

In this study, researchers found that disrupting the PRL gene in mice led to earlier hair molting, especially in females, suggesting that PRL inhibits murine hair cycle events.