A PILOT STUDY TO EXPLORE THE CHANGES IN BONE MINERAL DENSITY AND GRADINGS OF KESHAPATANA (HAIR FALL) IN WOMEN

Background: Hair fall (Keshapatana) is a growing concern among women and is described in Ayurveda as a manifestation of Asthi Dhatu kshaya, which indicates a depletion of bone tissue. Although this traditional view is well established, modern scientific validation linking Hair fall severity to bone mineral density (BMD) remains insufficient. Objectives: This study aims to explore the correlation between grades of Hair fall and changes in BMD among women aged 20–50, aligning Ayurvedic and modern clinical perspectives. Design: An observational, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted over five months (March–July 2024) at a single centre. Participants: 30 women were selected and categorized using the Sinclair Hair Shedding Scale into a control group (Grades 1–4) and a trial group (Grades 5–6). Exclusion criteria included systemic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, or supplement usage. Measurements: Hair fall severity was evaluated with the Sinclair Scale, while BMD was measured using DEXA scans (hip and spine), recorded as Z-scores. Spearman’s correlation was used for statistical analysis. Results: A strong negative correlation (r = -0.914, p < 0.001) was observed between Hair fall severity and BMD Z-scores, indicating that increased Hair fall is associated with reduced bone density. Limitations: The study's small sample size, single-centre setting, and potential uncontrolled confounders such as diet and stress may limit generalizability. Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant inverse relationship between Hair fall and BMD, supporting Ayurvedic concepts of Asthi Dhatu kshaya. Hair fall could serve as an early clinical marker of declining bone health, warranting broader studies for confirmation.