Metabolic Disorders And Hair Growth

January 1971 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Stanley Comaish

metabolic disorders hair growth protein deficiency telogen phase serum iron levels iron supplementation genetic disorders endocrine disorders iron supplements

TLDR Hair can indicate early signs of metabolic disorders, with issues like protein deficiency stopping hair growth.

The 1971 document examined the link between metabolic disorders and hair growth, highlighting hair as a potential early indicator of systemic diseases like malnutrition. It reported that protein deficiency could halt hair growth and initiate the telogen phase. The study included 53 patients, revealing that 15 had low serum iron levels, and 5 of those improved with iron supplementation. The document also considered hair's diagnostic potential in genetic and endocrine disorders and the impact of drugs on hair growth. It advocated for more detailed studies on hair in the context of systemic diseases to aid clinicians.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Hair Loss in Women: A Study at Sheffield Royal Infirmary (1959-1966)

39 citations, October 1967 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss in women often doesn't follow a pattern, isn't linked to age, may be genetic, and can be related to thyroid issues or other health factors.

research Morphological Changes in Human Scalp Hair Roots During Protein Deprivation

47 citations, July 1967 in “Science”

Not eating enough protein can cause hair roots to shrink and lose color, and hair to become thinner.

research Some Chemical Influences on Hair Growth and Pigmentation

31 citations, March 1965 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Certain chemicals can change hair growth and color.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 270 results

community In my opinion baldness is more prevalent now and it's being ignored..

in Chat 236 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about the prevalence of baldness among young men and the potential factors contributing to it. Specific treatments mentioned include minoxidil and finasteride.

community So depressed and upset with how much progress I’ve lost

in Chat 49 upvotes 1 year ago

A 20-year-old started taking finasteride for hair loss at 18, saw improvement, but developed erectile dysfunction (ED) after taking accutane. Despite stopping both medications, ED persisted, and hair loss worsened. Advice given includes considering tadalafil for ED, resuming finasteride, using minoxidil, and addressing psychological factors through positive thinking and lifestyle changes.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 1 year ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community 3 months progress with Finasteride 0.5mg/daily, Minoxidil foam5% 2x daily, Stemoxydine 2x daily, Microneedling(M8) 1.5mm 1x per week, Saw Palmetto 400mg/day, peppermint and jojoba oils daily, Ketoconazole 2% shampoo 3x/week, Purador shampoo/conditioner every day.

in Progress Pictures 334 upvotes 2 years ago

Jordan-Iliad has been using a combination of finasteride, minoxidil, stemoxydine, microneedling, saw palmetto, peppermint and jojoba oils, ketoconazole shampoo, and Purador shampoo/conditioner for 3 months to treat their hair loss with stunning results. They have also recently started taking oral minoxidil 1.25mg/day in hopes of achieving even better results over the next 3 months.

community It’s over. NOTHING has worked.

in Chat 95 upvotes 1 year ago

A user who has been trying various treatments for hair loss for four years, with no success. Suggestions include use of minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, microneedling, supplements and multivitamins, lifestyle changes, scalp biopsy, and SMP.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 1 month ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Scalp Hair Characteristics in the Newborn Infant

46 citations, December 2003 in “Advances in neonatal care”

Assessing newborn scalp hair can reveal important health information.

research Female Adolescent Hair Disorders

20 citations, July 2009 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology”

Quick treatment of hair disorders in teenage girls is important because of the emotional effects.

research Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia in Children

51 citations, January 2014 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America”

The guide explains how to identify and treat children's hair loss, including fungal infections, autoimmune disorders, hairstyle changes, self-correcting conditions, and behavioral therapy for hair-pulling.

research Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D Levels Should Be Evaluated in Patients With Diffuse Hair Loss Prior to Treatment

6 citations, January 2020 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

Check and treat low iron and vitamin D levels in people with hair loss.

research Telogen Effluvium

2 citations, August 2002 in “Zeitschrift für Hautkrankheiten”

Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition caused by various factors and requires a thorough examination to diagnose and differentiate from other hair loss types.