Tag Archive for: genetics

FDA’s Approach & Interest in New Balding Drugs

What is in store for the hair loss community?

FDA’s Approach & interest in new balding drugs

As we have recently observed, the powers of the FDA can be ramped to warp speed when a natural disaster occurs and thousands of lives are lost!  Certainly, grateful something lights a fire when needed.  Sadly, even though 80 million Americans were losing their hair prior to the pandemic, hair loss is still lagging with approvals. The amazing news, an outcome from the focused research and “all hands (scientist/chemists/researchers) on deck” through the pandemic, our nation is moving faster than ever before toward many amazing hopes and cures.  Wow, what wonderful news for the hair loss community.

Phase 1, 2 and recruitment of phase 3 trials are in the makings around the world and with anticipated hope we feel confident we will begin to see positive results with Clascoterone along with many others by the end of 2022

Learn more about Clascoteron along with others as you follow our blog series.  Original link is below.


Read Article Here: Clascoteron (Breezula) for Hair Loss Update!

MTHFR = 2 Parents + Defective Genes

MTHFR=2 parents + Defective genes

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR is a gene in the body responsible for the manufacturing of the MTHFR enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is necessary for methylation (an epigenetic signaling tool that cells use to lock genes in the “off” position), DNA repairs, and support of other key functions in the body. Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health. Those with this mutation may be experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Individuals with this mutation may also develop a folate deficiency as well.

“The benefit of recognizing MTHFR deficiency early is that you can start preventative therapy, including a high folate diet, very early in life and prevent or reduce the most severe effects,” says Fritz Roth, a professor of molecular genetics in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and senior author on a new study into the genetic causes of the disorder.

Their findings are published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

There are likely thousands of variants circulating in the population whose effects on folate metabolism—and health—remain unknown. Knowing which variants impair enzyme function can help predict, and possibly prevent, the negative consequences associated with MTHFR deficiency.

Why is this important?

Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health.

What Next?

Consider amino acid supplementation. Aminos are the building blocks of the proteins in our body and they also play a very critical role in our hair health. MTHFR is especially important for converting an amino acid called homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. Those sensitive to this mutation may also develop a higher homocysteine level, which has been linked to an increase in cardiac disease and stroke. Not a GENE you should be messing around with!

The following resources can help you learn more about this disorder: 

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/mthfr-gene-and-folic-acid.html

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10953/mthfr-gene-variant

If you would like to get tested for the MTHFR gene mutation and are looking for answers to your hair loss questions contact us today at 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online.

How Diet Effects Hair Loss

how diet effects hair loss

There are many factors that influence our hair. Genetics, medications pollution, medical conditions, hair products, and our diet all play a role in how healthy or unhealthy our hair is. If you want stronger and healthier hair be sure to include these key areas in your diet daily:

  1. Lean proteins: eggs, chicken, and lentils.
  2. Iron: spinach, beef, beans, and tofu.
  3. Omega 3-fatty acids: salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
  4. Zinc and selenium: oysters, chickpeas, and Greek yogurt.
  5. Vitamins A, C, & E: nuts and seeds, blueberries, carrots, and avocados.

If you are following the above and are experiencing hair shedding and excessive loss, consider opting for specific blood testing.  The AlopeciaDX tests specific minerals and considers amino acids which are critical to strong healthy hair!

It’s important to eat a clean diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables along with proper water intake. Avoid processed foods and sugar. What you put into your body has an impact on the health of your hair as well as your general health.

Contact us today 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online for all your hair care needs.

Understand Your Strands: Mineral Deficiencies

understand your strands: mineral deficiencies

When people experience hair thinning or loss they often do not know the cause as to why. Genetics, diet, stress, environment, medical issues, and deficiencies all play a role in hair health. It is important to have an understanding of minerals in regards to your hair health.

Essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids are all required for cells to properly function in the body. A lack of these key minerals disrupts the hair growth cycle leading to hair loss. Without proper mineral levels, your hair is starved for the nutrients it needs; thus, disrupting the growth cycle and shedding. A mineral imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss and they often go undetected.

Some of the most important minerals for hair health include: copper, iron, selenium, and zinc. These key minerals help strengthen hair follicles at a cellular level and enhance blood flow to the hair follicle. They also can help inhibit the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a large role in hair loss. It is important to note that not only can a mineral deficiency cause hair loss, but so can an excessive amount of one mineral. Too much of a good thing can be detrimental to your hair as well.

Are you curious to know what your mineral levels are? Schedule your AlopeciaDX blood test today by calling 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online. Want to learn more about yourself and get a customized treatment plan? Discover the AlopeciaDX blood test available from HPIHair.

Understand Your Strands: Vitamin Deficiencies

understanding your strands: vitamin deficiencies

Those suffering from thinning hair or loss may have a difficult time figuring out the cause. Many people have no answers as to why their hair is thinning. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get to the root cause of your hair loss?

Many times they are told it is simply genetic. While this may be a contributing factor, there can also be underlying causes, like vitamin deficiencies, that may be the reason for your hair loss. Often times, these specific vitamin deficiencies can be corrected to stop hair shedding. Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our AlopeciaDX blood test to target specific causes for your hair loss.

Certain vitamin deficiencies are quite common in today’s population. The American diet and lack of daily sunlight can take a toll on our overall health and vitamin levels. Specific vitamin deficiencies have been linked to weakened hair strands and hair loss.

Vitamins are needed within the cell process to grow new hair. If hair shedding is occurring and your vitamin levels are low, new hair growth is hindered. If the cells are deficient in vitamins they use an alternative source, which is often testosterone. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotesterone (DHT), which we know plays a vital role in hair loss. Without optimal vitamin levels, your hair will shed and growth will be inhibited.

Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our AlopeciaDX blood test to diagnose and help determine the specific causes for your hair loss.

Schedule your AlopeciaDX blood test and consultation today by calling 615.662.8722.

Alopecia DX Blood Test

Alopecia dx blood test

Underlying medical Conditions

Experiencing hair loss can be a hard thing to deal with, but understanding the cause can be even harder. Many people have no answers as to why their hair is thinning. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get to the root cause of your hair loss?

Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our Alopecia DX blood test to target specific causes for your hair loss.

Underlying medical conditions can play a major role in hair loss. Often times, these medical conditions can go months or years without being identified. While there are many medical reasons that cause hair loss, the most common are anemia, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases. These specific medical conditions can be recognized through a simple blood draw.

Blood Test

Every medical condition affects each person in different ways. Because of this, hair loss may be the only symptom or one of many. That is why diagnosing may be so difficult. If hair loss is the sole complaint, the person is often times led to believe it is simply genetics. Genetics may indeed play a role, but genetics are not the singular factor in determining hair loss. Often times there are multiple variables playing a role in hair loss, and understanding the cause can be the difference between losing more hair or stopping it.

Schedule your Alopecia DX blood test today by calling 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online. Read more about the Alopecia DX blood test available from HPIHair Partners.