Unlocking Answers to Hair Loss

TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test by Grow Back

Introduction

Hair loss is a widespread issue that impacts millions of individuals across different age groups and genders. It can be driven by genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, metabolic deficiencies, oxidative stress, and environmental triggers. The psychological impact of hair loss is significant, affecting self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Traditional treatments often rely on trial-and-error approaches, which can be

time-consuming, costly, and ineffective for many patients. Recent advancements in pharmacogenetics provide a more precise, evidence-based solution. The TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test by GrowBack integrates genetic analysis with comprehensive patient history to predict individual responses to various hair loss treatments, allowing for a tailored, optimised approach that enhances treatment efficacy and reduces unnecessary side effects.

By incorporating genetic insights with clinical data, the TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test by GrowBack provides a comprehensive, personalised approach to hair loss management, helping both men and women achieve better treatment outcomes.

What is the TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test by GrowBack?

The TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test by Grow Back is an advanced pharmacogenetic test that evaluates 26 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 9 key biological pathways involved in hair growth regulation. By analysing these genetic markers, the test helps identify a person’s likelihood of responding to specific hair loss treatments, eliminating guesswork and improving treatment success rates.

This test is suitable for both men and women experiencing:

Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness)
Alopecia areata (autoimmune-related patchy hair loss)
Telogen effluvium (stress/nutrient deficiency-induced shedding)

Unlike conventional treatments, which apply a one-size-fits-all model, the TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test enables personalised therapy by identifying the most effective topical, oral, and mesotherapy-based interventions based on an individual’s genetic and clinical profile.

How Does the TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test Work?

1. Genetic Analysis

The test examines 26 SNPs associated with 9 critical biological pathways influencing hair loss and regrowth:

Prostaglandins and sulphotransferase activity – Regulates minoxidil metabolism and efficacy.
Anti-inflammatory pathways – Determines immune-related hair loss susceptibility.
Anti-androgens – Assesses response to DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride.
Circulation and blood flow – Evaluates vascular supply to hair follicles.
Collagen synthesis – Identifies genetic predisposition affecting hair shaft integrity.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) – Plays a critical role in hair follicle proliferation.
Vitamins and minerals – Determines the role of nutritional deficiencies.
Antioxidants – Assesses genetic susceptibility to oxidative stress-induced hair loss.

2. Patient Anamnesis and Personalised Treatment Plan

A detailed patient questionnaire is integrated into the test, assessing:

Type, severity, and duration of hair loss
Current medications and potential interactions
Allergies, sensitivities, and contraindications
Medical conditions affecting hair growth (thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, PCOS, etc.)
Emotional stress levels and lifestyle habits

The test’s proprietary algorithm processes this data alongside genetic markers to generate a customised treatment plan, selecting from 11 formulation vehicles and 62 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including minoxidil, finasteride, latanoprost, cetirizine, spironolactone, melantonin, saw palmetto and more.

Understanding Hair Loss and Genetic Influence

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most frequent cause of hair loss, affecting 50% of men by age 50 and 40% of women by age 50, with prevalence increasing to 60% by age 70.

For men, AGA is primarily driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, which binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, leading to progressive miniaturisation and thinning.

In women, hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause, as well as conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can elevate androgen levels, accelerating hair loss.

Finasteride & Dutasteride for DHT Blocking in Women

While DHT-blocking treatments like finasteride and dutasteride are typically used for male AGA, research suggests they may be beneficial for women experiencing hormone-related hair loss. However, genetic variations influence how effectively these treatments work, making pharmacogenetic testing crucial in determining whether these medications are suitable for female patients.

For women with PCOS, DHT sensitivity is higher, contributing to male-pattern hair thinning. Similarly, during perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels result in a higher androgen-to-estrogen ratio, exacerbating hair thinning. The TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test identifies genetic markers that influence response to anti-androgen treatments, guiding more effective interventions for female patients.

Prevalence of Hair Loss in Women by Decades

20s-30s: ~10% experience early signs of thinning (often linked to PCOS, stress, or birth control changes).
40s: ~25% experience hair thinning, often due to declining estrogen levels.
50s: ~40% experience significant hair loss, particularly around the crown.
60s-70s: ~60% of women show noticeable hair thinning or diffuse shedding.

The TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test allows for early intervention, helping women identify genetic risks before significant hair loss occurs. By using a targeted treatment approach, patients can delay or reduce the severity of hair thinning.

Methodology

How Were the Genetic Variants Studied, Selected, and Evaluated?

The genetic test is developed by a multidisciplinary team of medical doctors, pharmacists, geneticists, and programmers, following the highest quality standards. An expert team specialising in genetic variant curation reviews each variant to ensure that selection, interpretation, and impact in the algorithms are based on the highest scientific evidence.

Relevant patient anamnesis (intolerances, diseases, medication, blood pressure, among others) that could affect recommendations are taken into account through medical questionnaires designed by healthcare professionals.

Only variants from level 1A to 2B are selected, ensuring the highest confidence in recommendations:

Level 1A: Supported by major health systems or medical societies.
Level 1B: Strong evidence of association replicated across multiple studies.
Level 2A: Well-studied variants in highly significant genes.
Level 2B: Moderate evidence with some conflicting data.

How is the test performed?

DNA is extracted from a buccal swab sample provided and is analysed in our clinical laboratory. DNA extraction is conducted using the KingFisher Flex® robotic extraction system (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The study of genetic variants will be carried out using a custom-designed microfluidic card with chemiluminescent detection via TaqMan® technology.

TaqMan® technology is a gold standard in clinical and research genetics, ensuring:

High specificity and accuracy
99% detection sensitivity
Reliable and reproducible results