I'm 95% sure that IBS leads to hair loss via the 5-HT2C receptor

Because that's the serotonin receptor that activates the HPA axis eventually leading to AGA after serotonin has been increased by IBS/IBD (eg dysbiosis).

I've looked into the other receptors and hormones including histamine.

I am very confident (but not 100% positive) that if we (partially) block this receptor for those with AGA after IBS, their hair loss will stop and I think their health will improve. However of course the underlying gut issue is still there and will need treatment to boost health further.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-HT2C_receptor

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17596444

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2777260

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0016377


Hoppi


EDIT --

http://www.google.com/search?q=natural+5-ht2c+antagonist

Obviously feel free to search for drugs too. Apparently 5-ht2a antagonists can have the OPPOSITE effect, I'd imagine due to reducing a competing receptor.

So far I am hearing about agomelatine, kudzu (puerarin), curcumin and possibly St John's Wort as at the very least 5-ht2c antagonists.

http://www.iherb.com/product-reviews/Kudzu-450-mg-90-Veggie-Caps/5407

"The puerarin in Kudzu is a natural 5-HT2C Antagonist. It is reported that Saint Johns wort also works at 5-HT2C (and others). May help with some types of depression. This is one of the receptors involved in male erection. I use it to block an over stimulation of 5Ht2C. Seems to work well in that regard."

http://herbs.mxf.yuku.com/topic/4428816

*5ht2a AGONISTS have the opposite effect, rather.

Although I'm still unclear on the precise relationship. I'm not convinced it's worth worrying too much about as long as 2c is sufficiently blocked and there are no bad side effects.



--- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16884345

Pharmacokinetic profile of the isoflavone puerarin after acute and repeated administration of a novel kudzu extract to human volunteers.