Hair Hair Hair - Another question

MBJ

Ladies, a friend of mine sent me this article--I don't have the link so I apologize for the lengthy post, however, for those of you who can't seem to grow their hair back, read this!  Chemo can throw your thyroid and your hormones out and there are remedies for this:

Vitamins, Minerals and your Thyroidby Anthony Pearce
 
Anthony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist & Registered Nurse - a founding member of the Society for Progressive Trichology & the official lecturer for Analytical Reference Laboratory (ARL) for hair loss & hormone imbalance. He is the Clinical Director for Trichology Hair Solutions of Virginia/DC in the United States. In Australia he can be contacted on 02 9542 2700, or through his website at www.hairlossclinic.com.au .
 
Shortly after hanging my Trichology 'shingle' I decided to specialise in female hair loss issues. I'd discovered early - contrary to general opinion - female hair loss is quite complex in what both influences and impels it.
 
Although males can (and do) experience different forms of alopecia, overwhelmingly the most commonly seen is Male Androgenic Alopecia - male 'pattern' balding. When a male has the genetics to exhibit this, it's as much a natural part of post-pubertal secondary sex characteristics as facial whiskers, deepening voice, muscle bulk, and body hair.
By contrast thinning scalp hair in women is almost always an indication of internal dysfunction; a collapsing of body homeostasis to the point where hair growth can no longer be supported.
 
From menarche* to menopause it's reasonable to assert most menstruating females will have some degree of iron deficiency at times in their life. Very few functions of the body are activated without sufficient iron to 'furnace' them.
 
Iron storage (termed ferritin ) is considered the true indicator of iron status - with an accepted reference range of 20-300ug/L. To aspire to a 'target' level about mid-range - i.e.: 150ug/L - could not be considered unrealistic given the importance of iron in the body.
 
The significance of reaching and maintaining this target level was the research of
Dr. John Lee - Australia's most prolific thyroid researcher. Insufficient iron restricts cell mitochondria production from which Adenosine Tri-phosphate (ATP) - 'cellular energy' is created. Our metabolic activity and Phase II liver detoxification pathways are ATP dependant.
Regrettably conformist practitioners still claim a ferritin of 21ug/L is within range and therefore 'normal'! Just two points below (19ug/L) suggests 'depleted iron stores'. To take this point further are they proposing a woman with a ferritin of 21ug/L (one point within range) will experience the equal energy and metabolic drive as another whose ferritin is 299ug/L (again one point within range)?
 
I also reject the claim of those traditionalists who say it's impossible to achieve a 150ug/L ferritin in a pre-menopausal woman.
 
In terms of metabolic importance, Iodine is deemed the next most essential (trace) nutrient after iron. Simply put: Iodine deficiency = compromised thyroid hormone production.
Testing Iodine levels is a simple urinary 'spot-screen', but is seldom routinely assessed. Low Iodine results in an under-functioning thyroid. There is also a studied correlation between Iodine deficiency and reduced IQ in children, and breast disease in women.
 
At the time of writing - Australian Professor Creswell Eastman from the Council of Control (Iodine Deficiency Disorders) - is urging food manufacturers to again add Iodine to their products. His statement arises from a recent national study which found almost half of all children of primary school age show Iodine deficiency.
 
A urinary Iodine test is not even presently claimable under Australian Medicare.
As a Trichologist/ registered nurse I'm unable to directly order blood pathology for my clients. Instead I suggest they ask their family doctor to review their complaint and authorise appropriate blood pathology. Two principle reasons for this:
 
It's a professional 'given'; the primary doctor has a right to know what another practitioner - orthodox or alternate - is proposing for their patient.
 
Medicare should cover the bulk of this pathology - that's why we pay the Medicare Levy.
It can be exasperating when zinc and/or copper testing are disregarded as unnecessary. Sometimes one will be authorised but the other refused. Both nutrients are vital for thyroid homeostasis (and hair growth) but each antagonises the other's action and absorption. If either mineral is elevated the other will (but not always) be depressed. Elevated or depleted levels of either mineral will have a profound affect on body functioning and the disruption of other nutrients.
 
Zinc is held to be implicated in at least 150 enzymatic actions within the body. Its main contributions to thyroid homeostasis are:
 
The synthesis of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) - produced by the Hypothalamus to stimulate production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
A crucial catalyst in the binding and activation of the active thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) to receptors on the cell nucleus.
 
Zinc deficiency is thought to contribute to poor thyroid hormone conversion - and deficiency diminishes healthy genetic expression of thyroid hormone.
 
A refractory zinc deficiency may result from inadequate protein availability (Baratosy:2006). Amino acid (Tyrosine) derived from protein is a foundation of thyroid hormone production.
Reviewing copper levels is particularly crucial. Low copper is said to inhibit thyroid gland hormone production, whilst elevated copper obstructs cell receptor interaction with thyroid hormone.
 
A deficiency of copper hinders the deployment of iron by the red blood cells, resulting in the iron being accumulated (and unavailable) within the organs of the body. Because this stored iron cannot be utilised whilst the copper deficiency persists, symptoms of iron deficiency may present - despite an actual iron sufficiency .
 
An elevated copper level and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is regularly seen in females using a contraceptive. This is largely due to the additional (synthetic) oestrogen found in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Oestrogen gives rise to copper retention - and vice versa - ultimately leading to zinc and other nutrient depletion, and oestrogen dominance.
 
Once copper is in excess and too dominant in relation to zinc, it can exert what Baratosy (2005) describes as an 'anti-nutrient' - or toxic metal influence. High copper levels restrict the absorption and utilisation of zinc (particularly), iron, magnesium, Vitamins B3, 5, and 6, Vitamins C and E, and certain trace elements.
 
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is produced in the liver, and is the carrier vitamins protein for (amongst other hormones) 70% of the circulating but 'bound' (inactive) testosterone and oestrogen. Elevated SHBG levels may result in symptoms of testosterone and oestrogen deficiency.
 
In the long line of essential nutrients for optimal thyroid function, the importance of Selenium is only shaded by Iron and Iodine. Several thyroid enzymes are Selenium-dependant to the creation of thyroid hormone. Unlike copper and zinc, Selenium and Iodine are agonists to each other - with optimal levels of both (in balance) essential for a healthy thyroid gland. Selenium also has an integral role in anti-oxidant and immunity defence mechanisms.
There remain some differing opinions on the most reliable form of Selenium testing. Some advocate blood serum; others support hair mineral analysis (HTMA) - still others suggest toe nail clippings.
 
The B-vitamins are essential co-enzymes to maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. Compromised mitochondrial function leads to low metabolic (thyroid) activity. Thiamine (Vitamin B1), B12, Vitamin D and folic acid are synergistic to copper. Supplementing these nutrients where required helps restore body copper balance. Vitamin D metabolism is enhanced by copper.
 
The Thyroid Hormones:
 
It's not my intention to detail or even outline the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid-related endocrine system and the hormones involved. There are many excellent thyroid texts written by better educated and more qualified folk than me. I simply wish to convey to the lay reader what thyroid hormones they might request tested - and why:
 
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): produced by the (anterior) Pituitary Gland - TSH regulates thyroid hormone production from the thyroid gland. TSH has long been regarded as the most reliable and sensitive indicator of thyroid function, however its limitations are these:
TSH does not reflect low metabolic activity; cell mitochondrial energy output and the necessary nutrients to furnace the body.
 
TSH does not reflect sufficient and quality conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone Thyroxine (T4) to the active, cell-influencing Triiodothyronine (T3).
TSH does not reflect deficiency of any of the numerous nutrients crucial to T4 - T3 synthesis, conversion, and activation.
 
TSH does not reflect T3 interaction with its mitochondrial or DNA receptors within the cell itself. If this interface fails - T3 cannot influence cell activity in any meaningful way.
TSH does not reflect elevated Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3) levels which interfere with T4 - T3 conversion and T3's activation of its intra-cell receptors.
 
TSH does not immediately reflect increasing thyroid antibodies in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Difficulties with any of the above has been termed 'Euthyroid Sick Syndrome' - patient's exhibit symptoms of an under functioning thyroid but their TSH and T4 results are "normal".
 
Thyroxine (T4): T4 is secreted by the thyroid gland in response to hypothalamic-pituitary stimulation (TRH/TSH). This secreted T4 then circulates in the blood - bound to a carrier protein - until synthesised (in the liver and kidneys) to T3. T4 possesses no interfacing receptors of its own, but is the inactive precursor of T3.
 
Triiodothyronine (T3): although some T3 is produced by the thyroid gland, greater than 80% results from T4 conversion. T3 is our active thyroid hormone which profoundly regulates body metabolism.
 
Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3): rT3 is an adapted non-active form of Triiodothyronine. In times of protracted physiological and emotional stress or illness, T4's normal conversion to T3 is corrupted - and rT3 results. Lee (2005) found forty percent of the synthetic thyroid hormone replacement Thyroxine sodium (Oroxine et al) is altered to rT3.
 
In healthy, minimally-stressed people rT3 is quickly purged from the body. When rT3 levels are allowed to become excessive, it inhibits and distorts T4 - T3 conversion - thus producing further rT3.
 
Elevated levels of rT3 are commonly detected in Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia sufferers. Arem (1999) proposes these two debilitating illnesses are manifestations of thyroid dysfunction. A characteristic of 'Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome' is patients' exhibit high rT3 levels because T4 is continually corrupted to rT3 at the expense of T3.
rT3 disrupts thyroid homeostasis by inhibiting the production and function of T3. rT3 binds to - but does not activate - T3 intra-cell receptors; effectively blocking T3 interface and activation.
Dr. John Lee was the first practitioner to facilitate the testing of rT3 in Australia.
 
Thyroid antibodies: thyroid antibodies are detectable indicators within the circulatory system that our immunity is primed against our thyroid gland. The presence of thyroid antibodies is sometimes discounted by medicos because a percentage of the population shows low levels of antibodies without any discernable thyroid disease.
 
Elevated levels typically signify autoimmune thyroiditis - 'Hashimotos' if the patient exhibits an under active thyroid state, and 'Graves' Disease' if their symptoms/pathology suggest the thyroid is over active.
 
The usual thyroid antibodies tested in Australia are:
 
Thyroglobulin Antibodies 
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab) - the more sensitive test.
 
Researchers suggest a strong association between autoimmune thyroiditis and Coeliac Disease. Patients exhibiting both conditions were able to eliminate thyroid antibodies by adopting a Gluten-free diet (Baratosy:2005). An Italian study of female nursing home geriatrics with hypothyroidism, found that by eliminating gluten from the diet, the hypothyroid symptoms in these patients greatly diminished or disappeared.
 
The crucial roles sex and steroid hormones play in thyroid homeostasis - particularly Cortisol, Progesterone, and DHEA - have not been discussed here. Suffice to say the thyroid-adrenal relationship is mutually dependant, and a Saliva Hormone Assay of these and other relevant hormones is an integral part of the complete investigative process.
 
Toxic heavy metals - principally Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Aluminum and Arsenic block the function of Vitamins and Minerals necessary for thyroid homeostasis. Where patients relate long-standing illness, toxic heavy metals should be an early assessment priority. Accurate and convenient testing is achieved by HTMA.
 
The thyroid hormone cascade is incredibly involved and complex. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, essential fatty acids (DHA/EPA), sex and steroid hormones, as well as the immune system must all be adequately available - and harmonious to each other - for T3 to accomplish its task. If any one of these vital components are lacking the process will stall - and optimal body functioning diminished.
 
In all this - hair is the expendable extravagance; usually the first tissue to suffer a withdrawal of metabolic and nutrient support.
 
It should now be appreciated that "gimmicky" single treatments such as laser combs, commercial hair loss programs etc can do nothing to influence nutritional, metabolic or hormonal disturbance. These areas must be individually tested for - but reviewed and treated as part of the total picture.
 
*the onset of menstruation in a young female
 
 
Orthodox Hair-sciences & Hair-specialisms - The Trichological Society

ladym13

elaineg- I am on Herceptin #10 soon and I also had radiation, I finished chemo June 30th and my hair is about an inch and half, I posted a pic on here not too long ago if you wanna backtrack maybe you'll find it, but I haven't noticed the herceptin or tamoxafin slowing the hair growth at all, for me, it took a while, but once it came in, it came in nicely.

Kittycat- I color my hair every four weeks, I have since the very first time I saw grey coming in which was about 8 weeks post chemo and it made me feel SO much more confident to lose the wig. I get it done at my hairdresser

Mo  

MelBell07

13 weeks PFC. Total eyebrow regrowth, will have to get them waxed soon. Never thought I'd be excited to have that done, haha. Eyelashes are pretty much in, but definitely not as long or full as they used to be. Hair is coming in, just thin on the sides. No signs of curls. Hoping to have the guts to go hat-less soon!

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juli0212

Mel:  That looks beautiful, go hatless now!  It's absolutely gorgeous!   ~juli

in_cognito

MelBel - Gorgeous!  I think you should go hatless now - your hair is beautiful!  Do you put anything on it - mousse, gel, etc??? 

MelBell07

Thanks ladies! I don't put anything on it. Just wash it with baby shampoo. My bf trimmed around my ears last week, but that's all I've done to it so far.

Char2010

MelBel - beautiful hair, great, even coverage!

MelBell07

Thanks Char! I just wish the sides were a little more filled in. I would like people to think I have my hair like this on purpose, and not look like someone getting over cancer. Soon, I'm hoping!!

juli0212

Mel:  NO one has to know unless you tell them, you look beautiful!   You go girl....juli

gingersfavorite1

Mel,  that is  cute - and so dark!   I'm totally jealous!    I don't have quite that much  (just took new pics today - will have to load them later)   but mine is white / grey.     Mine is thinner on the sides too.    I hope to  be going hatless by Christmas.

ladym13

Mel...you look AMAZING!

hmh23

Mel;

Your hair looks FABULOUS!  You can definitely go hat-less.  I did it last week and have a lot less hair than you do.  It was so liberating.  Go for it!!!

Heather

MaryNY

Mel, your hair, eyebrows and eyelashes look beatiful. I agree with the other ladies who said you should ditch the hat. As someone else said you will feel really liberated. And you'll be cool in both senses of the word.

MelBell07

Thanks so much! That makes me feel a lot better. I'm trying to ease myself into it... I started taking the hat off in the car. Then I showed a couple women at work. Just today I accidentally ran out of my house without anything on my head and didn't even realize it! I'm becoming so used to not wearing anything around the house, even when my friends come over. I was aiming for Thanksgiving, but all your nice compliments make me think maybe I can do it before then...

LadyinBama

MelBell: Go for it. Your brows and lashes are lovely. I have such hot flashes since chemo that I told my husband the other day to please watch me and not let me forget and take my hat off in public to fan my face with. I've gone out several times without thinking to put something on my head and I'm still bald as a billard ball. You look great!

Marion

Wow Mel, the color is great! I am so jealous, mine grew back all grey!

MBJ

Mel:  You beautiful girl!  You are the poster girl for perfect hair after chemo.  You look hip and cool with the short hair so work it!!!

dutchgirl6

MelBell, you look great!  Nice growth.  I think that I am a couple weeks ahead of you, hair wise, and I have been going topless for a month.  It's a great feeling.

juli0212

Marion, my hair also grew in totally straight and murky grey, ugh.  Waited til it was long enough, then colored back to original:  brunette (and of course, it got very curly after the straight). 

MEL:    YESSSS, go for it...you just look utterly gorgeous with your new hair, and you are beautiful to boot!   YOU are our inspiration, but of course, do what's comfortable for you. 

(I'm with some of the others, with the extreme hot flashes/sweating, I NEVER wore hats, but did wear scarves--Harley-Davidson of course~!  And, no I don't ride bikes, ever.)   ~juli

MelBell07

Thank you SO much!! Hearing it from you ladies means the most

Basia

Mel, you look fantastic! 

kathimdgd

Mel you look great!! Throw those hats in a drawer and go Commando,i did when i had less hair than you have.It's soooooooo liberating!!

Kathi

MBJ

Hi ladies:  I went to the dr today to find out how my blood test results went and he said I have some hormone imbalances so I am now trying bioidenticals along with thyroid supplements and adrenal support meds.  The reason I requested the tests?  My hair started falling out again!!!  So, I know there are a few of you here who haven't been able to grow hair:  get a complete blood workup:  thyroid, adrenal glands, hormones, vit d, have them test everything because our treatments can throw our bodies into a complete downward spiral!

LtotheK

Week 8, weird peach fuzz over entire head.  Please, tell me how much longer!!  I had a woman following me around a store to tell me how glamorous and pretty I am.  That's great, but it was in context of cancer.  I'm sick of being the spokesmodel for this disease...

MBJ, right on.  My naturopath is on the tests.  Oncologist doesn't bother unless I ask.  I did get my thyroid tested, and will find out iodine results soon.

I also heard from someone that radiation can slow hair growth, but so many of you went great guns during radiation that I'm really feeling odd baldie out.

LadyinBama

Question: I went about 5 weeks without a chemo (after 3 FEC) because of infection. Now I'm getting back on track and had my first Taxotere on Monday. I had fuzz grow while I had my break. Do you think it will stay or fall out with the tax and I'll have to start all over? My lashes and brows are continuing to fall out.

LtotheK

LadyinBama, from what I can see, the Taxotere causes complete hair loss.  A lot of people grow back or keep hair on Taxol.  Who knows why, they are both in the same family.  Based on my experience with Taxotere, I would expect full fall out.  And unfortunately, the lashes and brows are a moving target for up to a year.  Mine are bizarre!  The lower lashes are totally out, upper are thin, brows are thin.  A good liner has made the brows very doable.

A lot of people are recommending Rogaine to me.  I don't know how I feel about that.  Thoughts? 

MBJ

MHP70:  My test results show that my TSH is really low, my female hormones are non existant and that by taking 8000 iu of VitD3 with 800 mcg of K! daily, I am just maintaining proper levels in the 60's!  My dr started me on bioidenticals.  He said selenium & iodine are really important to maintaining the thyroid, expecially after chemo.  For those of you unfamiliar with the iodine protocol, got to breastcancerchoices.org.  Has tons of info of additional things we can all do to get healthy!

I do the men's version of Rogaine and biotin and selenium for hair.  I also upped my protein and began eating meat again in order to get enough.  I think I was not eating enough protein prior to BC.

dutchgirl6

LadyinBama, I was completely bald after my first Taxotere, but my hair started growing between #2 and #3, and it didn't stop.  I am now 13 weeks pfc and I have a decent amount of hair.  Yesterday an acquaintance told me that I look beautiful!!  That made me feel so good, and I'm glad that she didn't say that I looked cute.

LadyinBama

Dutch: Thanks, and me too, I hate "cute."

sptmm62

Hi Everyone:

Quick Question:  I am 5 weeks post my last TC.  My eyelashes are fine, but my eyebrows are just thinning.  I did not lose all my hair during chemo (probably about 90%).  After how many weeks can I feel comfortable that my eyebrows will just "thin" and not fall out completely?