Abstract

Clinical report of Acquired Androgen Sensitivity from Non Androgenic factors

Author(s): Rajendrasingh J Rajput

Background: To understand the scientific mechanism of hair loss caused by non-androgenic factors and the importance of nutrients in prevention, reversal of damage and restoration of hair growth, without the use of anti-androgens.

Methodology: A total of 100 patients, 62 male and 38 female, who presented with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL) and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), were included in the study. Early hair loss grades and patients with associated medical conditions were excluded. All patients were evaluated for DHT, DHEAS, SHBG, free testosterone, scalp trichoscopy, global photography and hair fall. The cause for initiation of hair fall was inquired and noted. All patients were treated with a low dose once in three days nutritional supplement combinations of Antioxidant, Calcium, vitamin D3 on day 1. Iron, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E on day 2 and amino acids with B-complex, biotin and omega 3 on day 3. The cycle repeated every 3 days for 4 months. Clinical progress was recorded every 2 months, hair fall was recorded every month.

Results: Levels of DHT, DHEAS, SHBG, free testosterone, in all the men and women were within normal limits. Hair loss commenced due to restricted eating, stress, lack of sleep, pollution, smoking, alcohol, late nights, circadian rhythm, poor scalp hygiene etc. but was now presenting as AGA or pattern hair loss. Peri pilar trichoscopic signs were seen only in the early months of commencement of hair loss and not after 3-4 months of progress. Focal atrichia was more common than expected. With the nutritional supplements, hair fall was controlled within 4 weeks–6 weeks. The average improvement in density in women at 4 months was 20% and the improvement in caliber was 25%. While in men the average improvement in density at 4 months was 24% and improvement in caliber was 18%, without use of minoxidil or finasteride.

Conclusion: All alopecias commence with simple hair fall triggered by non-androgenic factors. These factors act by generation of ROS leading to cellular dysfunction from damage to DNA and metabollism. The ROS also sensatize androgen receptors and pathways making the cells sensitive to normal androgens. The ROS can be neutralized, deranged metabolism and DNA damage can be repaired with restoration of cellular function, with combinations of nutritional supplements resulting in hair growth without the use of anti-androgens.