Mr. Wu's liver function test results showed elevated levels of certain indicators after using a hair growth agent. After stopping the use of the hair growth agent, his liver function returned to normal.
**His Liver Function Suddenly Abnormal After Using Hair Growth Agent**
**Can Hair Growth Agents Cause Liver Damage?**
**Doctors Warn: Not Everyone Should Use Hair Growth Agents**
**By Zhang Jiansen, Staff Reporter (Text and Photos)**
**Early Post Report:** Recently, Mr. Wu, a citizen, underwent a liver function test and discovered that three indicators had suddenly increased. The doctor said it was drug-induced liver damage. After careful consideration, Mr. Wu realized that apart from using the Shuniantang hair growth solvent recently, he had not taken any other medications. Therefore, he suspected that this hair growth solvent might have caused his liver damage.
After stopping the use of the hair growth solvent, Mr. Wu’s liver function indicators began to return to normal, further confirming his suspicion that the hair growth solvent was the culprit.
Is there a connection between liver damage and hair growth agents? Are hair growth agents suitable for everyone? Yesterday, the reporter conducted relevant interviews.
**Sudden Abnormality in Liver Function**
Mr. Wu is a government official who recently noticed significant hair loss. He went to the nearby Shuniantang Baima branch for consultation.
A staff member surnamed Zhu at the Shuniantang Baima branch tested him and informed Mr. Wu that his hair loss was not severe. With 3-4 treatment courses at the shop, the hair growth effect would be good. Each course costs 3,380 yuan, and four courses total 13,552 yuan.
Mr. Wu was very interested and spent 9,800 yuan for an annual package. In the following 13 days, Mr. Wu received 12 treatments at the Baima branch.
On September 27th, he went to the hospital for a liver function test, and the results shocked him.
"The report showed issues with three of my liver function indicators. Specifically, the ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) level was as high as 121 units, more than double the normal value of 50 units. Additionally, AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) also increased, and the albumin/globulin ratio decreased," Mr. Wu said. Having a history of liver disease, he paid close attention to his liver function indicators. In March, April, July, and August, he underwent liver function tests at Hangzhou Sixth People's Hospital, and all the indicators were normal.
"This increase suggests a possible recurrence of hepatitis. I was extremely anxious, and my family was also worried about my health," Mr. Wu said. In September, he maintained his usual routine, paying attention to balancing work and rest, and his physical condition was excellent. The only difference was that he had used the Shuniantang hair growth solvent in the past half month.
**Liver Function Returns to Normal After Stopping the Agent**
Early on September 28th, Mr. Wu went to the Shuniantang Baima branch. After listening to his concerns, Manager Ms. He promised to report the situation to the Hangzhou headquarters and advised Mr. Wu to temporarily stop using the hair growth agent while going to the hospital for another test.
"I thought what the manager said made sense, so I stopped using it for a few days," he said.
On September 30th, Mr. Wu went back to Hangzhou Sixth People's Hospital for another liver function test. The results showed that the AST and albumin/globulin ratio had returned to normal, while the ALT level, although still abnormal, had dropped to 93 units.
Mr. Wu immediately contacted Shuniantang again. Upon hearing about the differences in the test results, Shuniantang only offered a refund.
"They wanted to settle it with just a refund, but I couldn't accept that," Mr. Wu said. "In recent days, my body has been harmed, and both me and my family are under great pressure. My work and life have been affected. They should at least give me an explanation and appropriate compensation. However, a manager surnamed Gao at Shuniantang even accused me of extortion, which was infuriating."
**Shuniantang: Compensation Only if Doctor Provides Proof**
Yesterday, the reporter visited the national direct franchise chain store of Shuniantang Hair Growth and Blackening located on Yeqingdou Road (the original Baima branch has moved here).
Manager Ms. He admitted that their agreement explicitly states that patients with lupus, AIDS, or cancer should not use their products, but it does not mention that people with a history of liver disease should avoid them. Moreover, before signing the agreement, Mr. Wu did inform their staff about his history of liver disease.
"We can guarantee that our product has no issues," said Manager Ms. He. "If it can be confirmed that our product caused Mr. Wu's liver disease, we will compensate." Ms. He believed there are many reasons that could lead to abnormal liver function.
At the same time, Ms. He emphasized that they need Mr. Wu to provide proof from a doctor clearly stating that his abnormal liver function was caused by using Shuniantang's product before they will compensate.
Regarding this, Mr. Wu thought it was unreasonable on Shuniantang's part, saying, "Which hospital or doctor could write such a proof? It's obvious they're trying to deceive consumers."
**Doctor: Hair Growth Agent Likely Caused Liver Damage**
Yesterday, the reporter visited Hangzhou Sixth People's Hospital and consulted Professor Zhao Guogen, a liver disease expert and chief physician of the First Internal Medicine Department.
Professor Zhao Guogen told the reporter, "Mr. Wu has a history of liver disease and is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. On September 27th, his test showed abnormalities in three indicators. At that time, I judged there were two possibilities: chronic hepatitis or drug-induced liver damage." He continued, "When I heard he was using a hair growth solvent, I immediately suggested he stop using it."
Professor Zhao said that three days after Mr. Wu stopped using the product, the two previously abnormal indicators returned to normal, and the third one also decreased.
"This rules out the possibility of chronic hepatitis and strongly indicates that drug-induced liver damage is the most likely cause," said Professor Zhao. Since Mr. Wu did not take any other medications in September, the hair growth agent is the most likely cause of the liver damage.
"Many cases I've encountered involve immune function decline, hepatitis, and systemic allergies caused by the use of hair growth products. Just a few days ago, I treated a similar patient," he mentioned.
Professor Zhao warned: Some hair growth agents contain chemical components, so they are not suitable for everyone. Even for the same person, under special conditions such as extreme fatigue or illness, they may not be appropriate to use.