Metabolic Syndrome hair loss is the condition in which an individual experiences thinning and loss of hair due to a cluster of risk factors that ultimately lead to Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. Two of these risk factors include high blood pressure and insulin resistance, but to receive a diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome, an individual must have several risk factors. These factors include having above average BMI’s or large waist circumferences, heart disease, high cholesterol and high triglycerides. This condition can occur at any age, but increases as people get older.
Metabolic Syndrome Hair Loss
Metabolic Syndrome hair loss is a disease that affects a large number of people. Over forty-seven million people have Metabolic Syndrome according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and 40% of them are over sixty. This last fact is interesting as people typically begin balding as they age. Certainly the risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome can accelerate the aging process, but researchers have found another link between this syndrome and hair loss. Research conducted in the Department of Dermatology at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital shows a significant correlation between insulin resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and hair loss.
The researchers found that low levels of Testosterone are linked to insulin resistance and hair loss and high levels are not. Testosterone is steroid hormone from the Androgen group that both men and women produce. The researchers believe that having Metabolic Syndrome and insulin resistance can increase oxidative stress, inflammation, and free radicals. This surge in free radicals and decline in antioxidant enzymes forms excess fibrous connective tissue in the hair follicle as well as inflammation, which lead to hair loss. In addition, researchers have proven that certain areas of the scalp with hair loss have a reduction in Glutathione, which is an endogenous antioxidant.
Metabolic Syndrome Hair Loss
Metabolic Syndrome hair loss may be altered through interventions such as medication, diet, and exercise. Any modification that reduces ones risk for insulin resistance and heart disease will also affect the process of hair loss. In addition, the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital researchers believe that extracts from Black Tea, Green Tea, Pomegranate, Resveratrol and Grape Seed can reverse Metabolic Syndrome and replenish hair growth. Grape Seed Extract, in particular, was found to relive itchiness and inflammation when taken orally.
Another study, conducted by scientists at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand further proved the benefits of Grape Seed Extract. They learned that Grape Seed Extract can improve glucose tolerance and reduce oxidative stress, even when a high fructose diet is consumed. This data was gained by performing a study on rats. Researchers fed two groups of rats the same diet of fructose, but gave only one group the Grape Seed Extract. It was the second group that fared better in terms of lower blood glucose and oxidative stress levels, as well as increased activity of the hormones that stimulate hair growth. Rats that were not given Grape Seed Extract did not show any significant improvements in their condition. The culmination of both studies not only point to the correlation between Metabolic Syndrome and hair loss, but also between interventions that can reduce Metabolic Syndrome hair loss.
