Trace Elements Content and Hormonal Profiles in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

December 2010 in “ Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology ”

Margarita G. Skalnaya, Vladislav P. Tkachev

androgenetic alopecia androstenedione dihydrotestosterone copper zinc 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor mineral supplementation copper supplementation anti-androgen AGA DHT

TLDR Women with AGA have more androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone, less copper and zinc; copper imbalance affects AGA; treatment improves hormones and minerals.

The study found that women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) had higher levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone, and lower copper and zinc content in the frontal area of their hair compared to the occipital area. The study suggests that copper metabolism disturbances play a key role in the onset and development of AGA and could be a potential pharmaceutical target for treatment. Treatment with a topical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and mineral supplementation improved trace element content and hormonal profiles. The study suggests that copper supplementation may have a beneficial anti-androgen effect on alopecia.

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