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

From the encyclopedia

copper →

Zinc →

Studysummary This study suggests that alterations in copper metabolism may play a key role in the development of androgenetic alopecia in women, presenting potential targets for treatment strategies.

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 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.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

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 Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

139 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This article reviews androgenetic alopecia in women, highlighting diagnosis criteria and noting that topical minoxidil is currently the only proven treatment for hair growth; it reports no clinical trial findings.

research Steroidogenic Isoenzymes in Human Hair and Their Potential Role in Androgenetic Alopecia

31 citations , January 2003 in “Dermatology”

This article provides an overview of recent discoveries about steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical results.

research Molecular Mechanisms of Androgenetic Alopecia

229 citations , August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology”

This paper discusses key mechanisms of androgen metabolism in androgenetic alopecia and reports the effectiveness of treatments like oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, highlighting the limited success rate due to factors like follicular inflammation.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Steroid Chemistry and Hormone Controls During the Hair Follicle Cycle

34 citations , December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences”

This study found that while the steroid mechanisms influencing androgenetic alopecia may be similar for men and women, differences in enzyme activity and receptor content could explain their varied clinical presentations.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article presents a classification system for stages of female-pattern androgenetic alopecia to aid early diagnosis and mentions existing systems for rare male-pattern cases, but reports no new clinical results.