Scientists find key to hair loss. Partly.

No doubt you've seen the headlines:

Gene linked to early baldness -

"A family with a rare form of inherited baldness has helped scientists find a gene which plays a crucial role in normal hair growth. Researchers believe it could lead to treatments to boost hair growth in a broad range of conditions causing hair loss..."


Scientists find genetic keys to inherited hair loss -

"News Researchers have found the genetic basis of two distinct forms of inherited hair loss, opening a broad path to treatments for thinning locks, according to a pair of studies released Sunday..."

So, what's going on? Is this the holy grail we've been waiting for someone to find?

Well, the first thing to note is that the condition investigated by the researchers - Hypotrichosis simplex - is rare, it's not the cause of most people's hair loss. Secondly, these are very early days. Any information which might be useful in forming a broad based hair loss solution for the consumer needs to be fed into the usual process of testing and development - a process which takes years.

However, there are grounds for optimism. Crucially, scientists now know something which they didn't before, and that something might be very important indeed, namely a receptor which plays a role in hair growth.

Needless to say, this is something I'll be following closely.

What is Progesterone? (Part one)

Progesterone has been shown to have DHT inhibiting effects and is thus used by both men and women, often in the form of topical applications, to combat hair loss. Progesterone creams provide a transdermal method by which levels of the progesterone hormone can be increased at a desired location of the body. Hair loss is not the primary reason for the use of progesterone creams. While applied topically, some of the progesterone absorbed in this way will find its way into the body in general, so there may be systemic implications to its use. Progesterone can also be taken in pill form to increase broader systemic efficacy.

Topical progesterone is available as capsules, vaginal creams and suppositories. The medication is applied by women to sensitive areas of the body such as the breast, abdomen, inner thighs and the palms of the hands. Men who use progesterone creams can apply it to areas such as inner forearm, chest, neck or scrotum. Because of possible side effects for the health of the thin areas of skin through which the progesterone is absorbed, it is recommended that the site of application is changed periodically. This has obvious implications for those intending to apply progesterone creams regularly to the same parts of their scalp.

Progesterone creams are not FDA approved for use against hair loss in men or women, and if you are considering using one for such purposes you should consult a well-informed doctor before commencing use. This is especially important for women of all ages, men or women already taking medication to address hormonal imbalances in their bodies, or women who are or think they may become pregnant.

More next time!