Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss that affects both men and women, becoming more prevalent as people age. It’s the main culprit behind baldness and usually starts showing its effects in the 30s and 40s. Most people know at least one friend suffering from this unfortunate condition.
For women, the condition becomes even more common after menopause. The issue isn’t just cosmetic; it can have a significant psychological and social impact, especially for women.
The condition is marked by the shrinking of hair follicles, which is influenced by hormones called androgens and also by genetic factors. In men, the hairline starts to recede at the temples and the crown, while in women, the thinning is more diffuse but usually leaves the frontal hairline intact.
The hair growth cycle consists of different phases: the anagen phase, where the hair grows; the catagen phase, where the hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply; and the telogen phase, where the hair falls out. AGA disrupts this cycle, causing the hair to thin and eventually fall out.
In men, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is derived from testosterone, plays a significant role in this form of hair loss. In women, the role of hormones is less clear, but the condition becomes more common after menopause, suggesting that hormones are also involved.
Current Treatment Landscape
When it comes to treating Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), the options are somewhat limited. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two medications for this condition: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Both of these treatments have their own sets of limitations and potential side effects, making them less than ideal solutions for many people.
Minoxidil is a topical solution that you apply directly to the scalp. While it’s effective for both men and women, its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. One of the downsides of using minoxidil is that it can initially cause increased hair shedding, which can be distressing for users. Additionally, if you stop using the product, any new hair that grew will likely fall out, exacerbating the hair loss problem.
Oral finasteride, on the other hand, is generally more effective for men. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the hormone mainly responsible for male-pattern baldness. However, finasteride comes with its own set of problems, including potential sexual dysfunction. Its use in women is controversial and generally not recommended, especially for those who are or may become pregnant, due to its potential to cause birth defects.
Beyond these FDA-approved options, surgical hair transplantation offers a more permanent but also more invasive and expensive solution. Other treatments like antiandrogens, oral contraceptives, and even laser therapies are sometimes used, but these are not universally effective and can come with their own side effects or high costs.
In summary, while there are some treatments available, they are far from perfect, often offering limited results and coming with a range of side effects or financial burdens.
Cannabis Compounds: A New Frontier in AGA Treatment
The exciting news in the world of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) treatment is the emerging role of cannabis compounds. Recent studies have shown that hemp extract, rich in cannabidiol (CBD), has shown promising results in treating AGA.
A 2021 case study revealed a staggering 93.5% average increase in hair regrowth when using CBD-rich hemp extract. This is a game-changer, considering the limitations of current FDA-approved treatments.
So, how does it work? The hemp extract operates through the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that helps maintain cellular balance. The ECS has receptors known as CB1 and CB2, which are involved in various physiological processes, including hair growth. The hemp extract affects hair follicle elongation and activates hair matrix keratinocytes, the cells responsible for hair growth, through these ECS receptors.
But the story doesn’t end with CBD. Other cannabinoids like Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are also showing promise. Unlike CBD, which is a partial CB1 antagonist, THCV and CBDV are full CB1 antagonists. In simpler terms, they block the CB1 receptor more effectively, which should theoretically result in more pronounced therapeutic effects for hair growth.
What makes this even more compelling is that these cannabis compounds work through entirely different mechanisms compared to existing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. This opens up the possibility of using them in combination with existing treatments for even better results, although more research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of such combinations.
In essence, cannabis compounds are showing immense promise as a new frontier in the treatment of AGA, offering potentially effective, safe, and affordable options for millions struggling with hair loss.
The Endocannabinoid System and Hair Follicles
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a fascinating and complex network in the body that was discovered in the 1990s. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular balance and is involved in a variety of physiological processes, from mood regulation to immune response. When it comes to hair growth, the ECS is proving to be a key player.
The ECS is made up of several types of receptors, including cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), and other receptors like transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (TRPV4). These receptors are found in various cell types within the skin, and interestingly, CB1 receptors are well expressed in hair follicle cells.
Research suggests that the hair follicle cycle, which includes the growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and shedding (telogen) phases, is influenced by the ECS. Specifically, the TRPV1 receptor controls these phases. Activation of TRPV1 receptors can promote hair follicle regression and retardation of hair shaft elongation, meaning it can contribute to hair loss. However, cannabinoids like CBD can desensitize these receptors, potentially promoting hair growth.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another well-known cannabinoid, has been shown to inhibit hair shaft elongation and induce premature hair follicle regression. However, this effect can be counteracted by CB1 antagonists like CBD, THCV, and CBDV. These compounds promote hair growth by blocking the CB1 receptors, making them a promising avenue for future research and treatment options for AGA.
In summary, the ECS and its receptors offer a new and promising target for treating AGA. The cannabinoids derived from cannabis, such as CBD, THCV, and CBDV, interact with these receptors in ways that could promote hair growth, offering a novel approach to treating this common condition.
The Future is Green and Full of Hair
The increasing acceptance and legalisation of cannabis-based therapies open up new avenues for treating AGA. The unique mechanisms of action of cannabis compounds could revolutionise the treatment landscape, offering more effective, safer, and potentially cheaper options.
While more research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and their safety profile, the initial findings are a beacon of hope for those struggling with hair loss.
