Hair loss in women is a very common complaint. Almost 5 million women in the U.K suffer from some sort of hair loss. Scientific research has shown that temporary hair loss in women (of menstruating age) can be caused by metabolic or hormonal stress or by medication. The common factors directly associated to this type of temporary hair loss are the body’s low stores of iron and iodine.

Pathophysiology
Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE) is the clinical name characterised by this temporary hair loss. The hair growth cycle consists of a growth phase (ANAGEN) and a resting phase (TELOGEN). Hair lasts approximately three years in the anagen phase on the scalp, while during the telogen phase it lasts approximately three months, although there can be a wide variation in these times between individuals. During the telogen phase, the hair remains in the follicle until it is pushed out by generation of a new anagen hair.

CTE can be triggered when physiologic stress or hormonal change causes a large number of hairs to enter telogen at one time. Hair does not fall out until the new anagen hairs grow. 

Causes of hair loss:

• Physiologic stress such as acute illness, infections, etc.
• Hormonal changes due to menstrual cycle, moderately low levels of thyroxine (hypothyroidism), discontinuation of oestrogen containing medication.
• Dietary changes – crash dieting, anorexia, low protein and chronic iron deficiency.
• A variety of medication can induce CTE e.g. beta blockers, anticoagulants, retinoids (including excess Vitamin A) propylthiouracil (inducing hypothyroidism), carbamazepines.
• Allergic dermatitis

Biochemistry

Iron
The absorption of iron is the key to the TrichogenTM formula. “Ultra Health and Beauty” has favoured the choice of iron chelate as its key constituent for optimum absorption and utilisation.  Chelated forms of iron (which are combined with an amino acid) are better absorbed than iron salts such as ferrous sulphate and ferrous gluconate.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C has been included in the formula to optimise the absorption of iron and also acts as a free radical scavenger.

L-Lysine
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid and is an important structural component of proteins. This is an important constituent of this formula as it also enhances the absorption of iron. Research indicates that the bioavailability of iron in the presence of a protein (L-Lysine) is more bioavailable than with an isolated iron salt.

Biotin
Biotin function in the TrichogenTM formula is to facilitate protein metabolism thus assisting in the regeneration of new hair fibres and improving scalp condition.

CoenzymeQ10
It is the dermal papilla (DP) which directs and dictates te generation of hair follicles and it consists of highly active groups of cells. Co-enzyme Q10 function is to induce activity of mechanisms of DP cells for the generation of new hair fibre growth.

Kelp (Iodine150g)
The kelp is derived from dried extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus. Studies show that under-production of hormones can have profound effects on hair follicular activity and the quality of hair produced. Even a temporary imbalance of levels can lead to telogen effluvium type hair loss.

Silica
Silica (The silica is obtained from powdered Bamboo gum) (Bambousa arundinacea 320mg). Silica (silica dioxide) is present in almost every tissue and is essential for cell growth. It is especially concentrated in the hair fibre. Silica has been added to Trichogen to contribute to the structural resilience of new hair fibres and improve scalp condition.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) 
N- Dimethylglycine (DMG-N) is a water soluble antioxidant important in many biological systems. It is a physiological compound found in minute amounts in foods such as cereal grains, seeds and meats.  It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of choline and the amino acid, glycine. Its main function in Trichogen is the involvement of energy mechanisms and protein synthesis. Another function is increasing the oxygen carrying capabilities in DP cells during the generation of new hair fibre and also helps to improve blood circulation in scalp.