Hair ThinningNCT04048031
Efficacy and Safety of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Peri-menopausal and Menopausal Women With Thinning Hair
A study testing Nutrafol Supplement Capsules in people with Hair Thinning, run by Ablon Skin Institute Research Center at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement is a novel nutraceutical supplement, scientifically formulated to specifically target the multiple underlying causes of hair loss and thinning in women. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Hair Thinning
- What is being tested?
- Nutrafol Supplement Capsules
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 19 Jun 2019to 30 Sep 2020
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 1. Females, age 40-65, who are perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal. Perimenopausal is defined as increased variability in menstrual cycle length and defined as persistent difference of 7 days or more in length of consecutive cycles. Later stages include amenorrhea for 60 days or longer and/or vasomotor symptoms. These should have been present for at least 6 months prior to study. Menopause is defined as absence of menstrual bleeding for at least 12 months or 12 months status post complete Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy.
- 2. Clinically-determined general good health as determined by responses to the initial study assessment.
- 3. Females with self-perceived thinning hair as confirmed on initial study assessment by the Investigator (This will not include patients with medically diagnosed telogen effluvium).
- 4. Females willing to maintain their normal hair shampooing frequency.
- 5. Females willing to add the provided oral supplement to their current daily routine.
- 6. Females willing to not substantially change their current diet, medications, or exercise routines for the duration of the study. If a subject receives physician guidance during the study to change diet, medications, or exercise routine, the subject will need to notify the clinic as soon as possible.
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- 7. Females willing to undergo a brief physical exam to include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, general physical findings and a scalp exam. The physical exam will occur at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 8. Females with Fitzpatrick I-IV photo skin types.
- 9. Willingness to have 2D digital photography of the entire head/hair region for overall evaluation of general hair growth and fullness at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 10. Willingness to have digital macrophotography of the target area and scalp for hair counts at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 11. Willingness to have a bundle of hair measured by the Hair Check device for Hair Mass Index (HMI) at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 12. Willingness to have ten (10) terminal hairs cut at the base of the scalp from just outside the HMI measurement area for microscopic hair measurements at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 13. Willingness to have their hair washed (shampooed) over a sink containing cheesecloth for hair shedding counts at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 14. Willingness to maintain a consistent hair cut and hair color throughout the 12 month study period and to come to visits with clean, dry hair.
- 15. Willingness of subjects who have color treated hair to have the color treatment performed at the same time interval prior to each visit (ie. If on Visit 1 the color treatment was done one week prior then the color treatment is expected to occur at a similar interval of one week prior to Visits 2, 3, 4 and 5).
- 16. Willingness of subjects to answer questionnaires related to general lifestyle, quality of life related to hair loss, self-assessment, subject treatment satisfaction and ease of use, subject hair satisfaction and the menopause rating scale at Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Who cannot join
- Females who are of childbearing potential defined as still having a menstrual cycle on a regular basis who are not perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal.
- Females with any known allergy or sensitivity to any shampoo/conditioner.
- Females with known stressful incident within the last six months (ie. death in family).
- Females who are participating on any clinical research study at ASIRC or at another research center or doctors office.
- Females who have recently (within the last 6 months) started the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women currently using hormones for HRT must have been on a stable dose (6 months or longer) in order to be eligible for the study (the initiation of HRT should not have been associated with the initiation of hair loss/thinning).
- Females currently using any Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to treat thinning hair.
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- Females who have regularly used Rogaine (Minoxidil) within the last 3 months.
- Females who have used prescription drugs known to affect the hair growth cycle within the last 6 months (e.g., cyproterone acetate, aldactone/spironolactone, Finasteride or any 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor).
- Females suffering from other hair loss disorders, such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, and telogen effluvium as determined on initial study assessment by the Investigator.
- History of burning, flaking, itching, and stinging of the scalp.
- History of malignancy (except SCC and BCC skin cancers) or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
- A known history of autoimmune thyroid disease, any other thyroid disorder/abnormality or other autoimmune disorders that are not controlled in the opinion of the investigator may interfere with the study treatment.
- A known history of depression or bi-polar disease or any other condition that may impact the subject's participation.
- Known history or recent blood work indicating iron deficiency, bleeding disorders or platelet dysfunction syndrome as well as subjects taking anticoagulant therapy, antiplatelet medications, more than one (1) 325 mg ASA on a daily basis or smokers with usage > 20 cigarettes/day.
- Individuals with self-reported uncontrolled diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, etc.). All medical conditions that are under control with or without treatment will be considered on an individual basis by the Investigator.
- Females with self-reported active hepatitis, immune deficiency, HIV or autoimmune disease.
- Females having a known active dermatologic condition which, in the opinion of the examining Investigators, might place the subject at a greater risk or interfere with clinical evaluations (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, advanced skin cancer, etc.).
- Use of any medications that are known to potentially cause hair loss or affect hair growth, as determined by the PI.
- Is involved in any injury litigation claims.
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Ablon Skin Institute & Research Center
Manhattan Beach, California, 90266
About this study
Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating The Ability And Safety Of A Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals To Promote Hair Growth In Perimenopausal, Menopausal And Post-Menopausal Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair
NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement is a novel nutraceutical supplement, scientifically formulated to specifically target the multiple underlying causes of hair loss and thinning in women. NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance capsules are comprised of primary and secondary ingredients, designed to restore hair health from the inside out. In addition to the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins to support the nutritional needs of hair, it also contains nutraceutical-grade botanical bioactives that are standardized and clinically tested. The formulation leverages the multidimensional properties of power plants, which possess a full spectrum of phytochemicals with innate capacities to work in synergy with each other to fulfill their specific therapeutic roles. Using the latest biotechnology, these ingredients are bio-optimized and standardized, extracted with patented methods that preserve their bioactive integrity and made more bio-available and bio-absorbable via specific patented technologies.
Ingestion of NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement over a six (6) month period will strengthen and promote the growth of hairs in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair when compared to baseline and those using the placebo tablet, with further improvement during the subsequent six (6) month open-label extension period.
Read the detailed description
NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement is a novel nutraceutical supplement, scientifically formulated to specifically target the multiple underlying causes of hair loss and thinning in women. NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance capsules are comprised of primary and secondary ingredients, designed to restore hair health from the inside out. In addition to the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins to support the nutritional needs of hair, it also contains nutraceutical-grade botanical bioactives that are standardized and clinically tested. The formulation leverages the multidimensional properties of power plants, which possess a full spectrum of phytochemicals with innate capacities to work in synergy with each other to fulfill their specific therapeutic roles. Using the latest biotechnology, these ingredients are bio-optimized and standardized, extracted with patented methods that preserve their bioactive integrity and made more bio-available and bio-absorbable via specific patented technologies.
NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested.
Ingestion of NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement over a six (6) month period will strengthen and promote the growth of hairs in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair when compared to baseline and those using the placebo tablet, with further improvement during the subsequent six (6) month open-label extension period. The primary endpoints will be favorable analysis using the Canon Power Shot G16 with 3GEN Dermlite FOTO Pro for macrophotography hair count analysis of terminal, vellus and total hairs at three (3) and six (6) months. The secondary endpoints will include favorable analysis using the Canon Power Shot G16 with 3GEN Dermlite FOTO Pro for macrophotography hair count analysis of terminal, vellus and total hairs at nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. Other secondary endpoints will be favorable improvement in terminal hair diameter measured by the Dino-Lite Digital Microscopic, favorable improvement in the Blinded Physician Global Hair Assessments for hair growth and hair quality, decrease in hair shed counts with Hair Washing Procedure, statistically significant positive feedback on the Women's Hair Loss Quality of Life, Self-Assessment, Subject Treatment Satisfaction and Ease of Use, Subject Hair Satisfaction and Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaires at the three (3), six (6), nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. The exploratory endpoint would be favorable improvement in the Hair Check device hair bundle measurement for Hair Mass Index (HMI) at the three (3), six (6), nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. See Table of Study Procedures.
A minimum of seventy (70) female subjects will be enrolled in this clinical study; Forty (40) subjects will receive active and Thirty (30) subjects will receive placebo.
- Conditions
- Hair Thinning
- Being tested
- Nutrafol Supplement Capsules, Placebo Capsules
- Keywords
- Hair thinning, Hair Loss, Women, Perimenopausal, Menopausal and Post Menopausal Women, Nutraceutical supplement
- Medical subject headings
- Alopecia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Nutrafol Supplement CapsulesDietary supplement
NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested. The Nutafol supplement capsules are compared to the placebo capsules which contain no active ingredients. Four (4) capsules are taken by mouth once daily with a substantial meal.
Placebo CapsulesOther
The placebo capsules contain no active ingredients. Four (4) capsules are taken by mouth once daily with a substantial amount of food.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrafol Supplement Capsules | Active comparator | NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested.
Subjects to take four (4) Nutrafol Supplement capsules by mouth daily for 180 days with a substantial meal. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nutrafol Supplement Capsules |
| Placebo Capsules | Placebo comparator | The placebo capsules contain no active ingredients. Subjects to take four (4) Placebo capsules by mouth daily for 180 days with a substantial meal. Receives: Other: Placebo Capsules |
| Open Label 6 month Extension | Other | During the 6 month open label extension all 70 subjects will receive NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® which is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested.
Subjects to take four (4) Nutrafol Supplement capsules by mouth daily for the six month extension with a substantial meal. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nutrafol Supplement Capsules |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Number of Terminal Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Terminal hair is defined as coarse hair, short or long, found on the scalp with minimum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers.
Measured: 180 days
Number of Vellus Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Vellus hair is defined as fine, short hairs found on the scalp with maximum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers.
Measured: 180 days
Number of Total Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Total Hairs equals the sum of Terminal and Vellus Hairs in the Target Area
Measured: 180 days
Secondary outcomes (9)
Number of terminal hairs, number of vellus hairs, and number of total hairs in the target area of the scalp
Terminal hair is defined as coarse hair, short or long, found on the scalp with minimum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers. Vellus hair is defined as fine, short hairs found on the scalp with maximum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers. Total Hairs equals the sum of Terminal and Vellus Hairs in the Target Area
Measured: nine (9) month and twelve (12) month visits
Dino-Lite microscopic photographs for terminal hair diameter measurements in the target area
Ten (10) terminal hairs just outside the border of the 2 cm x 2 cm area used for the Hair Check Hair Mass Index (HMI) will be randomly chosen (not all from one direct area) and cut at the surface of the scalp thus not creating any bald patches. The Dino-Lite Microscope will then be used to measure the diameter of each of the ten (10) hairs at 1mm from the cut end of the hair. All calibrations and measurement will be done at the setting of 230X. The ten (10) hair measurements will then be recorded on the Hair Diameter Log Form. All ten (10) diameters will be added together and then divided by 10 to attain an average hair diameter for the area and the average diameter will be recorded in the CRF. See Appendix IV.
Measured: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Hair Washing Procedure in clinic for Hair Shedding Counts
Subjects will be instructed to wash their hair at home 24 hours in advance of study visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Subjects will then have their hair washed (shampooed) with a gentle shampoo in the office over a sink containing cheesecloth. The cheesecloth will be positioned to collect shedding hair. The number of hairs collected in the cheesecloth will be counted and recorded. Subjects will be allowed to dry and style their hair. Subjects will have their hair washed and shedding hairs counted on Visits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. See Appendix V.
Measured: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Blinded Physician Global Hair Assessment for Hair Growth and Hair Quality
The treating investigator will complete this live assessment by circling the number on the scale that corresponds to the description that best fits the current global growth improvement and current hair quality Investigator Assessment Scale
- 3 Greatly increased
- 2 Moderately increased
- 1 Slightly increased 0 No change
- 1 Slightly worsened
- 2 Moderately worsened
- 3 Greatly worsened
Measured: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Women's Hair Loss Quality of Life Questionnaire
Please complete the following questions by circling the number in the column which best describes your opinion for each characteristic.
Very Much (4) A Lot (3) A Little (2) Not At All (1) Not Relevant (0)
- I am embarrassed by my thinning hair.
- Because of my thinning hair, I avoid social gatherings.
- I don't like meeting new people as I feel they are judging me because of my thinning hair.
- I avoid going out during the day because of my thinning hair.
- My condition impacts my emotional state at work.
- I feel my thinning hair has impacted my ability to succeed in interviews.
- My condition has prevented my participation in a sports activity.
- My condition impacts my self esteem.
- My condition makes me feel self conscious about my thinning hair.
- Because of my thinning hair, I fear being the center of attention.
- I feel my thinning hair is affecting my personal relationships.
- Because of my thinning
Measured: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Please complete the following questions by circling the number in the column which best describes your opinion for each characteristic; from +3 (greatly increased/improved) to -3 (greatly decreased/worsened)
Greatly Increased/Improved +3
Moderately Increased/Improved +2
Slightly Increased/Improved +1
No Change 0
Slightly Decreased/Worsened -1
Moderately Decreased/Worsened -2
Greatly Decreased/Worsened -3
Overall hair growth Overall hair volume Scalp coverage Thickness of hair body Hair amount Hair quality Hair color Hair shine Hair strength Softness of hair body Amount of new hair Hair growth rate Hair length Ease of styling Overall hair appearance Sleep Quality Overall Well-Being Nail strength +3 Nail Growth rate Growth of Eyebrow hair Growth of eyelashes Skin smoothness Overall skin health Energy levels Libido (Sex drive)
Please complete the following questions by circling the number in
Measured: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Subject Treatment Satisfaction and Ease of Use Questionnaires
Subject Treatment Satisfaction:
Please circle the number on the scale that corresponds to the description that you believe best fits your current satisfaction with the study treatment.
Subject Satisfaction Scale Description
- 3 Extremely Satisfied
- 2 Moderately Satisfied
- 1 Slightly Satisfied 0 No change
- 1 Slightly Unsatisfied
- 2 Moderately Unsatisfied
- 3 Greatly Unsatisfied
Measured: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Subject Hair Satisfaction Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Subject Hair Satisfaction Questionnaire:
Please check the box next to the description of your current state of hair health, which most accurately describes your current feelings of how satisfied you are with the amount and quality of hair on your scalp, including scalp coverage, volume and overall appearance.
Subject Satisfaction Scale Description
- 3 Extremely Satisfied
- 2 Moderately Satisfied
- 1 Slightly Satisfied 0 No change
- 1 Slightly Unsatisfied
- 2 Moderately Unsatisfied
- 3 Greatly Unsatisfied
Measured: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Menopausal Rating Scale Questionnaire
Questionnaire This is a standardized scale and cannot be copied into this document.
Measured: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Aug 2019
- Study start19 Jun 2019
- Primary completion30 Sep 2020
- Study completion30 Sep 2020
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Hair ThinningStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a six (6) month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with a six (6) month open-label extension to assess the safety and efficacy of Nutrafol® Women's Balance oral supplement in improving hair growth in perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair. After an initial screening period to determine eligibility, subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatment arms: Nutrafol® vs. Placebo for the initial 6 months of the trial. All subjects (Nutrafol® and placebo groups) will receive the active treatment (Nutrafol®) throughout the latter 6-month open-label extension/follow-up period.
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ablon Skin Institute Research Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Nutraceutical Wellness Inc.
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Glynis Ablon, MD, FAAD, Principal investigator, Ablon Skin institute and Research Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04048031
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ASIRC-NW-02
- Status last verified
- Aug 2019
- First submitted
- 5 Aug 2019
- Last updated
- 6 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Ablon G, Kogan S, Raymond I. A Long-Term Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):783. doi: 10.36849/JDD.776.
PubMed 35816069Ablon G, Kogan S. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women With Thinning Hair. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Jan 1;20(1):55-61. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5701.
PubMed 33400421
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating The Ability And Safety Of A Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals To Promote Hair Growth In Perimenopausal, Menopausal And Post-Menopausal Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04048031
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ASIRC-NW-02
- Conditions
- Hair Thinning
- Keywords
- Hair thinning, Hair Loss, Women, Perimenopausal, Menopausal and Post Menopausal Women, Nutraceutical supplement
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ablon Skin Institute Research CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Nutraceutical Wellness Inc.
- Study start
- 19 Jun 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2020 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2020 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Aug 2019 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement is a novel nutraceutical supplement, scientifically formulated to specifically target the multiple underlying causes of hair loss and thinning in women. NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance capsules are comprised of primary and secondary ingredients, designed to restore hair health from the inside out. In addition to the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins to support the nutritional needs of hair, it also contains nutraceutical-grade botanical bioactives that are standardized and clinically tested. The formulation leverages the multidimensional properties of power plants, which possess a full spectrum of phytochemicals with innate capacities to work in synergy with each other to fulfill their specific therapeutic roles. Using the latest biotechnology, these ingredients are bio-optimized and standardized, extracted with patented methods that preserve their bioactive integrity and made more bio-available and bio-absorbable via specific patented technologies.
Ingestion of NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement over a six (6) month period will strengthen and promote the growth of hairs in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair when compared to baseline and those using the placebo tablet, with further improvement during the subsequent six (6) month open-label extension period.
Detailed description
NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement is a novel nutraceutical supplement, scientifically formulated to specifically target the multiple underlying causes of hair loss and thinning in women. NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance capsules are comprised of primary and secondary ingredients, designed to restore hair health from the inside out. In addition to the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins to support the nutritional needs of hair, it also contains nutraceutical-grade botanical bioactives that are standardized and clinically tested. The formulation leverages the multidimensional properties of power plants, which possess a full spectrum of phytochemicals with innate capacities to work in synergy with each other to fulfill their specific therapeutic roles. Using the latest biotechnology, these ingredients are bio-optimized and standardized, extracted with patented methods that preserve their bioactive integrity and made more bio-available and bio-absorbable via specific patented technologies.
NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested.
Ingestion of NUTRAFOL® Women's Balance supplement over a six (6) month period will strengthen and promote the growth of hairs in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair when compared to baseline and those using the placebo tablet, with further improvement during the subsequent six (6) month open-label extension period. The primary endpoints will be favorable analysis using the Canon Power Shot G16 with 3GEN Dermlite FOTO Pro for macrophotography hair count analysis of terminal, vellus and total hairs at three (3) and six (6) months. The secondary endpoints will include favorable analysis using the Canon Power Shot G16 with 3GEN Dermlite FOTO Pro for macrophotography hair count analysis of terminal, vellus and total hairs at nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. Other secondary endpoints will be favorable improvement in terminal hair diameter measured by the Dino-Lite Digital Microscopic, favorable improvement in the Blinded Physician Global Hair Assessments for hair growth and hair quality, decrease in hair shed counts with Hair Washing Procedure, statistically significant positive feedback on the Women's Hair Loss Quality of Life, Self-Assessment, Subject Treatment Satisfaction and Ease of Use, Subject Hair Satisfaction and Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaires at the three (3), six (6), nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. The exploratory endpoint would be favorable improvement in the Hair Check device hair bundle measurement for Hair Mass Index (HMI) at the three (3), six (6), nine (9) and twelve (12) month visits. See Table of Study Procedures.
A minimum of seventy (70) female subjects will be enrolled in this clinical study; Forty (40) subjects will receive active and Thirty (30) subjects will receive placebo.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This is a six (6) month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with a six (6) month open-label extension to assess the safety and efficacy of Nutrafol® Women's Balance oral supplement in improving hair growth in perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal female subjects with self-perceived thinning hair. After an initial screening period to determine eligibility, subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatment arms: Nutrafol® vs. Placebo for the initial 6 months of the trial. All subjects (Nutrafol® and placebo groups) will receive the active treatment (Nutrafol®) throughout the latter 6-month open-label extension/follow-up period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrafol Supplement Capsules | Active comparator | Dietary Supplement: Nutrafol Supplement CapsulesNUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested. Subjects to take four (4) Nutrafol Supplement capsules by mouth daily for 180 days with a substantial meal. |
| Placebo Capsules | Placebo comparator | Other: Placebo CapsulesThe placebo capsules contain no active ingredients. Subjects to take four (4) Placebo capsules by mouth daily for 180 days with a substantial meal. |
| Open Label 6 month Extension | Other | Dietary Supplement: Nutrafol Supplement CapsulesDuring the 6 month open label extension all 70 subjects will receive NUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® which is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested. Subjects to take four (4) Nutrafol Supplement capsules by mouth daily for the six month extension with a substantial meal. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (16 listed)
- 1. Females, age 40-65, who are perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal. Perimenopausal is defined as increased variability in menstrual cycle length and defined as persistent difference of 7 days or more in length of consecutive cycles. Later stages include amenorrhea for 60 days or longer and/or vasomotor symptoms. These should have been present for at least 6 months prior to study. Menopause is defined as absence of menstrual bleeding for at least 12 months or 12 months status post complete Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy.
- 2. Clinically-determined general good health as determined by responses to the initial study assessment.
- 3. Females with self-perceived thinning hair as confirmed on initial study assessment by the Investigator (This will not include patients with medically diagnosed telogen effluvium).
- 4. Females willing to maintain their normal hair shampooing frequency.
- 5. Females willing to add the provided oral supplement to their current daily routine.
Key exclusion criteria (20 listed)
- Females who are of childbearing potential defined as still having a menstrual cycle on a regular basis who are not perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal.
- Females with any known allergy or sensitivity to any shampoo/conditioner.
- Females with known stressful incident within the last six months (ie. death in family).
- Females who are participating on any clinical research study at ASIRC or at another research center or doctors office.
- Females who have recently (within the last 6 months) started the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women currently using hormones for HRT must have been on a stable dose (6 months or longer) in order to be eligible for the study (the initiation of HRT should not have been associated with the initiation of hair loss/thinning).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrafol Supplement CapsulesNUTRAFOL's Synergen Complex Plus® is a formulation based on a patent-pending Synergen Complex®, a combination of botanicals with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-stress adaptogenic, antioxidant, DHT-inhibiting and hormone-rebalancing properties - combined to synergistically combat the multiple underlying factors that compromise hair growth and health. Some key ingredients include Sensoril Ashwagandha, BCM-95 BioCurcumin, Saw Palmetto, EVNolMax 20% Tocotrienol/Tocopherol complex, gelatinized Maca, Astaxanthin, Bioperine (piperine), and Capsimax (capsaicin), all of which are bio-optimized and clinically tested. The Nutafol supplement capsules are compared to the placebo capsules which contain no active ingredients. Four (4) capsules are taken by mouth once daily with a substantial meal. | Dietary supplement | Nutrafol Supplement Capsules, Open Label 6 month Extension |
| Placebo CapsulesThe placebo capsules contain no active ingredients. Four (4) capsules are taken by mouth once daily with a substantial amount of food. | Other | Placebo Capsules |
Primary outcome
Number of Terminal Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Time frame: 180 days
Terminal hair is defined as coarse hair, short or long, found on the scalp with minimum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers.
Number of Vellus Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Time frame: 180 days
Vellus hair is defined as fine, short hairs found on the scalp with maximum cross-sectional diameter of 40 micrometers.
Number of Total Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp
Time frame: 180 days
Total Hairs equals the sum of Terminal and Vellus Hairs in the Target Area
9 secondary outcomes
Number of terminal hairs, number of vellus hairs, and number of total hairs in the target area of the scalp
Time frame: nine (9) month and twelve (12) month visits
Dino-Lite microscopic photographs for terminal hair diameter measurements in the target area
Time frame: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Hair Washing Procedure in clinic for Hair Shedding Counts
Time frame: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Blinded Physician Global Hair Assessment for Hair Growth and Hair Quality
Time frame: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Women's Hair Loss Quality of Life Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Subject Treatment Satisfaction and Ease of Use Questionnaires
Time frame: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Subject Hair Satisfaction Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Menopausal Rating Scale Questionnaire
Time frame: Day 0, Day 90, Day 180, Day 270, Day 360
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Apr 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 35816069Ablon G, Kogan S, Raymond I. A Long-Term Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):783. doi: 10.36849/JDD.776.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 33400421Ablon G, Kogan S. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women With Thinning Hair. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Jan 1;20(1):55-61. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5701.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Glynis Ablon, MD, FAAD principal investigator
Ablon Skin institute and Research Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Nutrafol Supplement Capsules in people with Hair Thinning, run by Ablon Skin Institute Research Center at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 16 inclusion and 20 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Number of Terminal Hairs in the Target Area of the Scalp (time frame: 180 days). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04048031, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Apr 2025.