Male Hair Loss Causes and Treatments – Understanding Male Pattern Baldness and What You Can Do
There is a wide range of male hair loss causes, and thanks to modern medicine, many choices of hair loss treatment for you to consider. The majority of men lose their hair thanks to inherited genes and the normal aging process, but there are other causes as well. The key to selecting an effective hair loss treatment is to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and then select among the assortment of hair loss solutions to find the most appropriate treatment.
Male Pattern Baldness
Up to 90% of all male hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. In this situation, the cause of hair loss is due to genes inherited from the father, the mother, or both. The older a man gets the more likely balding is to occur, although some men begin to lose their hair as early as their late teens or early twenties.
Male pattern baldness generally appears in one of two ways – thinning hair on the crown of the head or a receding hairline. One way to predict the balding a man will experience is to look at hair loss and causes in his relatives. This is not always accurate, though, as sometimes male pattern baldness can skip a generation.
Cause of Male Pattern Baldness
Experts say that as many as 50% of all men will experience hair loss, ranging from mild to moderate, by the time they turn 50 years old, and 65% of males will have perceptible baldness by the time they are 60 years old. Whether due to aging, genetics or a combination of the two, why exactly is it that hair loss occurs?
The answer is a chemical called dehydrotestosterone, or DHT. It is a male hormone that collects and builds up around hair follicles, eventually causing the follicle and the hair growing out of it to be killed. As DHT levels rise with aging, more and more follicles are affected by it and hair loss becomes more pronounced.
Other Male Hair Loss Causes
If 90% of male pattern baldness is due to genes and aging, what about the other 10% of men who have lost or are losing their hair? For these men the causes of hair loss can range from medical conditions to damage caused by extreme hairstyles or harsh hair care. Examples can include:
Medication – Some anti-depressants, blood thinners and medications for the treatment of gout can cause hair loss, as can excess Vitamin A. Chemotherapy medications also often cause hair loss.
Severe Illness/Surgery – The body undergoes tremendous stress during a severe illness or major surgery, often causing hair loss within three to four months following the illness or surgery.
Disease – Hair loss in males can be the cause of an undiagnosed medical condition such as lupus or diabetes, or a fungal infection of the scalp.
Hormones – The human body contains an assortment of hormones, both male and female, that can become imbalanced and cause hair loss. Hormonal problems due to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can also lead to hair loss.
Proper Diagnosis
Because there are medical as well as genetic causes of male pattern baldness, it is important to correctly diagnose the exact cause before selecting the most appropriate hair loss treatment. The best course of action is to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
If the cause of hair loss in males is something other than genetics and aging, the good news is that it is often reversible just by reducing or eliminating the medicine or condition that is causing it. The danger of self-diagnosis is that an underlying illness or medical condition could continue untreated, leading to more serious medical issues.
Strong feelings and emotions related to hair loss are understandable, but should not be used as an excuse to avoid consulting a doctor. A doctor can confirm that there is no medical condition requiring treatment and provide advice about potential solutions.
Understanding Hair Loss Treatments
For the 90% of men whose hair loss is due to causes such as common male pattern baldness, there are several treatment options to consider. These range from topical medications to oral medications to surgical techniques, all of which come with varying advantages, disadvantages, costs, and other considerations.
The key to selecting an appropriate treatment for a male’s hair loss is considering convenience, short term and long terms impacts to daily life, cost, effectiveness and ongoing maintenance requirements. The best solution for one man may be very different from the best treatment for another man, so it is important to make a decision based on personal circumstances and desired outcome.
Topical Hair Loss Treatment
By far the most common type of hair loss treatment for males is topical application of hair loss products. These products can range from special shampoos and conditioners to scalp stimulating oils to chemical medications.
The most effective topical hair loss treatment to date is minoxidil, marketed under the brand name Rogaine. Previously available only by prescription, this treatment is now available over the counter at nearly any drugstore, grocery store or large discount retailer. To maintain hair growth, Rogaine must be used on an ongoing basis; when use is discontinued, any hair regrowth of hair that occurred will be lost again. Rogaine is the only hair loss treatment approved by the FDA for use by both males and females.
Many other topical treatments for males are available that have not been proven effective. Beware of any product that is promoted as an “instant cure” or “miraculous hair growth” remedy. While these hair loss products typically will not cause particular harm or damage to the scalp or hair, neither will they effectively promote new hair growth. They are most often a waste of money that could otherwise be spent on a medically proven treatment.
Oral Hair Loss Treatment
Another effective hair loss treatment for males is finasteride, marketed under the brand name Propecia. This medication is available by prescription only and comes in the form of a pill that is taken each day. As with Rogaine, if use of Propecia is stopped then any hair regrowth that has occurred will be lost.
Propecia is an FDA approved hair loss product for use by males only, and in fact comes with a strong warning to women because it can cause serious birth defects. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant are strongly advised not to even handle Propecia tablets, because the medication could potentially be absorbed through the skin.
Surgical Hair Loss Treatment
A number of good surgical hair loss treatments are available. These treatments have improved dramatically over the years thanks to better techniques and better medical technology. The results typically look extremely natural in most males and do not disappear over time.
The most common surgical treatment for males is hair grafting, a process by which hair from one part of the head is transplanted to balding areas. Grafts can be as small as a single hair, making it possible for the surgeon to create a very natural-looking hairline.
Another surgical option for males is more invasive, involving the cutting away of bald areas and stretching the areas that still have hair over the excised area. Recovery time is longer for this type of treatment, and not all hair loss patients will be good candidates for the procedure.
If you are experiencing male pattern baldness, consult your doctor or dermatologist who can diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss and suggest the best treatment for your particular situation.
Author: Julie-Ann Amos
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Duty tariff
Male Pattern Baldness and Propecia
Men of all nationalities are affected by male pattern baldness. Approximately 25% show signs of hair loss by the age of 30, increasing to two-thirds by the age of 60. The cause is usually a genetic oversensitivity to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair loss in men is characterised by the ‘receding hairline’ – where hair recedes from the lateral sides of the forehead.
There are only two hair loss treatments that have been clinically proven to stop hair loss and promote re-growth. These are Minoxidil and Propecia.
Propecia is only available to men over the age of 18. The active ingredient in Propecia, Finasteride, was first approved for use in 1992 to treat prostate enlargement. Users noticed an increase in hair growth after taking the drug. There have since been two clinical studies by Merck Pharmaceuticals on the effects of Propecia , a 2 year study and a 5 year study.
In the 2 year study, of the 535 men taking Propecia, 99% had visible results: 66% had visible re-growth and 33% had no further hair loss. In the 5 year study, of the 279 men taking Propecia, 90% had visible results: 48% has visible re-growth and 42% suffered no further hair loss. Propecia works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp and thereby appears to inhibit the shrinking action of hair follicles. Once the shrinking action is controlled, the hair starts to re-grow.
As with all medications, there are some side effects. A small number of men experienced minor sexual side effects: less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection and a decrease in the amount of semen. These are uncommon, occurring in less than 2% of men. All side effects went away either a short time after commencing treatment or when treatment was stopped. For those considering taking Propecia, it is recommended to get guidance from a medical professional.
Although the cause for baldness in men is nearly always DHT, it can affect men differently. Medical experts with experience of treating male pattern baldness have found that combining Propecia with Minoxidil enhances the treatment, producing faster results. There are also hair growth boosters that can supplement these medications by creating a treatment programme tailored for the individual.
Author: Sophie Crane
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Prescription Propecia – 7 Precautions You Need To Know
Prescription Propecia became available in 1998 after Merck & Co., the company that manufactures this drug obtained FDA approval. Since then with the opening up of numerous pharmacies online it seems easier than ever to obtain this drug.
However, be aware of the following precautions before you order prescription Propecia:
1. Propecia is for men only, and 1 tablet has to be taken orally each day. Be prepared to take it for many years as the hair you gain through the use of this drug can be lost once the medication is discontinued. Hence, calculate the expense and determine whether you are prepared for this financial outlay.
2. Although over 80% of the men in clinical trials experienced positive results in keeping their hair and seeing new growth, a small number, around 3%, experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. These side effects disappeared shortly after the drug was discontinued.
3. Prescription Propecia is specifically to help hair growth in the mid-scalp and crown area. There is no evidence to prove it is effective with a receding hairline or for hair loss on the temples.
4. The long term effects of taking prescription Propecia are unknown. If a man starts taking this drug in his twenties and has to continue to avoid hair loss, by the time he is in his fifties he will have been on the drug for 30 years. As Propecia has only been on the market since 1998 it is not possible to determine what effects this could have in the long term.
5. A personal consultation with your medical practitioner is recommended before taking any drug. Ordering from an online pharmacy may or may not be safe. A questionnaire has to be filled out before the online pharmacy can fill the order. Be sure you research the web site and look for symbols or links indicating the pharmacy is licensed and registered with a government agency.
6. Check that the web site you wish to order from has medical professionals acting as consultants and be prepared to ask questions directly to these professionals and evaluate the response, both for speed and professionalism.
7. Remember that individuals react differently to drugs and medications. Prescription Propecia may work well for some men and not for others. Be prepared to wait patiently for at least 2-3 months before drawing a conclusion at to whether Propecia is working for you or not. If you do not see a difference in your hair density after this time then consider stopping the medication.
While FDA approval certainly gives Prescription Propecia legitimacy, some search for alternatives in view of the unknown long term side effects and cost of continued usage.
NewHair Biofactors is one such alternative. It is a natural herbal solutions, non-prescription, and much cheaper than prescription Propecia.
Although not FDA approved, it has been on the market since 1993 and it it has helped thousands of men and women stop hair loss and increase the density of their hair growth, while maintaining a healthy scalp.
Clinical studies reported in the Medical Post of 1993 reported an 85.7% success rate in the 148 participants in the study. Check the resource box for details.
Prescription Propecia may just be the answer you are looking for to combat hair loss. On the other hand, if the precautions listed above make you cautious, it is encouraging to note there is an alternative which also has a high success rate.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Import duty tariff
Stop Your Hair Getting Thin With The Latest Natural Treatments
Is your hair getting thin? Would you like to know the most effective and proven ingredients to return thicker and stronger hair? If so, then read on and I will reveal some of the best ingredients to restore your hair.
It can be a very emotional time to find your hair is thinning and particularly distressing for women. Although seen to be very much a male condition, it affect almost as many women.
While men’s hair thins out and eventually leads to a bald spot and receding hairline, womens hair tends to thin out all over and rarely leads to a receding hairline or complete baldness.
Before you consider any drastic measures like transplants, try to use the most natural solution first as they can be just as effective for most people. It can be a hard task with so many products on the market, so here are what the best and proven treatments should contain.
The addition of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals help especially today with the low nutritional value of our food and encourage new and thicker growth as well as helping to maintain your existing hairs.
The B vitamins are especially useful including B6 and Biotin and minerals like zinc and magnesium help to ensure the proper nutrition to stop the hair getting thin.
Many of us are lacking in these, especially zinc which helps to keep the immune system strong as well as ensure healthy hair, skin and nails.
Herb extracts like Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root for men and Horsetail for women have proven in clinical trials to be very effective, helping increase the flow of oxygenated blood to the scalp to encourage new growth.
You should look for these ingredients to stop your hair getting thin and also the FDA approved Minoxidil which is applied topically to grow out thicker and longer hair.
If you would like to learn more about a cure for thinning hair with these natural substances that is excellent for promoting new, thicker hair growth, visit my website below today.
Discover the best natural hair loss treatment available today. Rob Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and hair loss issues that affect both men and women. Take a moment to visit his site now at http://hairloss-solutions-site.com to learn about a new natural remedy that he recently discovered. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/stop-your-hair-getting-thin-with-the-latest-natural-treatments-1783204.html
Coping with Female Hair Loss
Hair loss is part of our daily lives, whether you realize it or not and is generally more common as people grow older, but can affect younger people as well. Hair loss is a gradual process, some research has indicated that it takes 5 years or more for follicle roots to fully cease. For many patients, hair loss is a major emotional problem and is quite normal after major surgery, so it is important for patients to speak to their surgeon about this possible side effect before undergoing surgery.
Hair loss is quite a likely occurrence for children being treated for leukemia. In male- and female-pattern baldness, the culprit is something called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is derived from androgen, a male hormone.
Women
Women’s hair tends to thin all over and the pattern of hair loss in women is different to the typical receding hairline and crown loss that is common in men. Women develop hair loss as frequently as men do, but because of hormonal differences between men and women, women typically lose their hair in a more diffuse way than men. Women rarely experience loss of all their hair. A reasonably common cause of hair loss in women is birth control pills.
Women may be given minoxidil or a hormonal or iron supplement to help prevent hair loss. Women with hair loss due to androegenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameter over all affected areas of the scalp.
Health
Healthy diet, enough time of sleep, regular exercise, and not worrying too much can prevent hair loss, whereas problems such as lupus, thyroid condition, and diabetes can cause hair loss. Eating habits vary from healthy eating habits on one end of the scale, to serious eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia on the other end. While hair loss is more harmful to the psyche than anything else, some of the causes of baldness may represent serious health problems.
Certainly a good healthy diet will tend to reduce hair loss and it is important to keep your health good, but hair loss can affect the emotional health of both men and particularly women and it can be a rather glib statement to tell people not to worry about their looks. Coping with hair loss depends a lot on your attitude and the support of your friends and family.
Hormones
The thyroid gland is in the front of the lower neck and makes important hormones that keep the body healthy. Hormones called androgens, commonly testosterone, can cause hair follicles to shrink, causing thinning of hair or eventual hair loss. In pregnancy, hormone levels increase in the early stages of pregnancy and cause the hair growth cycle to slow down.
Doctors refer to common baldness as “androegentic alopecia” which implies that a combination of hormones and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition. The hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hair loss in teenage girls as well as in adult women.
Female-pattern androegenetic alopecia is a common condition, its traetment includes minoxidil 2% and antiandrogens (cyproterone acetate) in case of obvious hyerandrogenism; finasteride, not currently approved for women, is however being tested in postmenopausal women.
Don’t Despair! Just re-grow beautiful healthy hair! Yes! You really can re-grow your own hair. No transplants, No surgery, and Forget about wigs and put your hats away. Buy Provillus Presented by Provillus Australia your source for natural hair remedies. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/coping-with-female-hair-loss-1623444.html
Simple At Home Ideas for Preventing Hairloss
Despite the innovations in medicine there has been very little advancement in the area of balding. I can assure you it hasn’t been due to the lack of effort either. Have you seen the receding hairline’s of many of the male researchers working on this project? I can tell you first hand that they need a cure just as bad as the average joe running around with the commonly seen symmetrical loss of scalp hair surrounded by hair on the sides. This article titled “Simple At Home Ideas for Preventing Hairloss” is all about attacking the most common type of balding and/or thinning hair before it gets out of hand. Let’s look at a few ideas that just might help you save your hair at the first signs of balding.
Don’t put it off: The most common type of balding shrinks hair follicles to a point where hair re-growth is no longer possible. You may have already lost as many as 20,000 hair follicles when you first notice balding, many of which will never be able to re-grow hair again. Once the number of damaged follicles moves into the 50,000 range you will have lost half of your hair and your treatment options will be limited dramatically.
Maintain a healthy diet: Diets high in proteins, B vitamins, and certain minerals such as magnesium can help keep your hair healthy and growing.
Scalp circulation: Blood caries nutrients to the scalp and maintaining good scalp circulation is very important in preventing hairloss. Now is a good time to add a daily scalp massage to your shower routine. You might consider using natural oils such as lavender, peppermint, or pumpkin seed to your daily scalp massage routine to reinvigorate any already damaged follicles.
Reduce stress when possible: When under stress your body channels all of its energies to what it considers essential organs such as the heart. This pulls blood flow and nutrients away from the scalp. Taking time to learn about, and implementing, stress reduction techniques such as yoga and controlled breathing just might be the subtle magic bullet for preventing hairloss.
Watch those shampoos: While shampoos have made some progress in recent years, many still contain harsh lathering agents called surfactants. Surfactants can cause itchy, scaly, and dry scalps which accelerate the balding process. Additionally, you might consider natural shampoos containing ingredients known to support hair and scalp health such as horsetail extract, jojoba oil, bhringaraj oil, wheat germ oil, or aloe.
What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preemptive tool for preventing hairloss, starting before balding becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/simple-at-home-ideas-for-preventing-hairloss-1585683.html
experience in the field.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at
Purchase Remedies.com
Balding Cure – Buy Propecia?
Balding Cure? The most common form of hair loss is male pattern hair loss, accounting for 95% of all cases of baldness. Approximately 50% of all men will start balding by the time they reach the age of 50 so it really is a very common problem. Previously the only solution male pattern and other types of hair loss have been wigs or hats but all these do is cover it up. There have always been miracle creams and shampoos available that claim to replace lost hair and charge a lot of money for the privilege but most men who try them end up disappointed because they simply didnt have the expected or desired results. Generic Propecia is a proven balding cure and is available from your doctor or, more conveniently, over the Internet.
You will more than likely be familiar with male pattern hair loss. It starts with balding around the crown of the head or with a receding hairline and progresses from there. It is widely accepted amongst doctors and scientists that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is partially responsible for the balding process. DHT is a chemical that diminishes the hair follicle to such a size that it can no longer be seen.
Finding a proven balding cure that stood up to proper and rigorous testing had proven difficult until Propecia was discovered. Propecia and generic Propecia work by lowering the amount of DHT that is found within your body. Not only does this prevent further balding but it also helps the existing hair follicles to re-grow much stronger effectively making it a balding cure. Generic Propecia has shown excellent results in tests and approximately 70% of men who have undergone clinical trials with generic Propecia have found that there has grown back. This is a fact that was tested by dermatologists and scientific researchers to verify the results.
Generic Propecia can start having noticeable results in as little as 3 months, although if your hair loss is showing no signs of improvement after 12 months then further treatment is unlikely to yield the result you require. If you stop taking generic Propecia after results begin to show then the advantages and the improvement you have gained will deteriorate and leave you balding once again. For this reason, you need to be able to find a cheap but reliable source of Propecia. Your physician can prescribe you Propecia but this is not a cheap option, and there are cheaper options available to you.
Generic Propecia is a drug that is identical to Propecia but is available at a fraction of the cost and in larger bulk. Online generic pharmacys can supply you with generic Propecia and if you do not already have a prescription then they can also complete an online consultation with you and give you the prescription you require. This is much more convenient than visiting your physician and you will know if you are going bald or not. Generic pharmacys are not meant to replace regular visits to your physician but in certain circumstances they provide a very good alternative.
As far as a balding cure goes nothing has been proven to work as well as Propecia for either stopping the balding process or helping the re-growth of your lost hair. In the long run it is quite possible to redevelop a full head of hair through the regular use of Propecia. If you are interested then you should consider going using a generic pharmacy and purchasing generic Propecia. It has the same results but at a fraction of the total cost.
Author: M Jackson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Excise Tax
Exploring the Different Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives
Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, and is something that happens to virtually every man – and even some women – as they grow older. More than half of all men will suffer from some form of male-pattern baldness by the time they reach 50. While in past years, baldness was seen as something to be ashamed of; in recent years it has become seen as increasingly less of a liability due to the popularity of bald actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Ben Kingsley. Despite this, many men still seem to have trouble accepting their baldness and this may eventually lead to psychological problems such as loss of self-esteem. This explains why the hair loss treatment industry is one of the largest in the US, with $1 billion in annual sales.
At present there are only two FDA-approved treatments for baldness – minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, which is sold over-the-counter under the brand name Rogaine, is reportedly effective in addressing both a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head. However, Rogaine has serious side effects, the most common of which are itchy scalp and dandruff, when the drug is applied topically, and rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness and swelling of the face and extremities when taken orally. Finasteride, on the other hand, is available only by prescription and has sexual side effects that include impotence and abnormal ejaculation.
If you can afford the cost, you can consider laser hair loss treatment. These procedures use lasers to stimulate hair growth in the scalp and increase blood flow to the scalp. At least 25 treatments will be required, one a week, and each treatment will cost around $80. In addition, your dermatologist may recommend the use of a ‘laser-comb’ device at home to supplement in-office treatments. This device is brushed through the hair and administers additional phototherapy.
Those concerned about the side effects of medication can consider natural alternatives, which are not only safe but considerately less expensive than drugs. Omega-3 oil, for example, will reduce swelling and inflammation in the scalp and thus, treat baldness. You can apply it by putting Omega-3-rich canola oil or soybean oil directly to your scalp, take fish oil supplements, or increase the amount of fish such as tuna, salmon and trout in your diet.
Herbs such as rosemary and sage are also effective in addressing baldness and are applied topically. Rosemary reduces dandruff outbreaks which can lead to baldness while also improving blood circulation in the scalp. Saw Palmetto, on the other hand, is taken orally but is recommended only for men; nettle root extract is used to treat women’s baldness. Other herbs that can be used as an effective hair loss treatment include Aloe Vera (rub broken leaves directly onto your scalp); ginger (boil five slices of ginger in water for ten minutes then rinse your hair with the resulting solution) and cucumber (drink a couple of glasses of cucumber juice every day). As a preventive measure, you can also massage your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes right before you go to bed, starting from your hairline and working your way to your nape.
Are you looking for the best Hair Loss Treatment cure? Visit http://www.baldness-prevention.com today for more information! Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/exploring-the-different-hair-loss-treatment-alternatives-1573661.html
Does Rogaine Work? The Facts!
Rogaine is the brand name for a drug which contains Minoxidil in 2% and 5% doses designed to combat hair loss. The main question is: Does Rogaine work?
Consider these facts:
Minoxidil was originally developed to reduce high blood pressure. One of the side effects noted was increased hair growth in some patients. This aspect of the drug was then utilized to market a medication with huge profit potential given the number of men and women in the global market concerned about hair loss or thinning hair.
The individuals who experienced this side effect would obviously answer YES to the question “Does Rogaine work?”
However, the human body is a complex organism and each individual responds differently to drugs and medications. What works for some may not work for others.
The manufacturers of Rogaine brought out a heavier dosage version, called Rogaine Extra Strength (5%). Some sources report that this version of Rogaine was 45% more successful in stopping hair loss and generating new growth than the standard version (2%).
However, it is important to note these other observations:
About 55% of the men who took part in clinical trials reported an improvement in their hair loss dilemma. This means that in some men hair loss stopped, in others, hair loss not only stopped but there was an increase in density of hair on the scalp.
So 55 out of 100 men would say that Rogaine does work to a degree. The other side of that percentage is that 45 men out of 100 did not see any difference.
Added to that, it appears that Rogaine works best on younger men whose hair loss has not gone longer than 10 years. Also the bald patch should be smaller than 4 inches across with some hair growth in the middle.
Does Rogaine work for hair loss on any part of the scalp?
The answer to that is No! Rogaine can improve hair growth or at least stop hair loss on the top of the scalp, called the vortex area. Hair loss on the sides (temples) or a receding hairline are not helped by Rogaine.
The lower dosage 2% version can be used by women. They are not advised to use the extra strength as the 5% version can result in increased facial hair growth which many women would find unacceptable.
In this though Rogaine scores an advantage over the other FDA drug approved for hair loss, namely Propecia. Propecia is only for men as it works in a different way to Rogaine by neutralizing DHT through a process involving the male hormone testosterone. So at least women have some hope of arresting hair loss by using Rogaine.
In the hair loss industry it pays to be skeptical over wild claims of success. According to government guidelines, there is no current treatment that can be guaranteed to stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.
So keeping those factors in mind a realistic answer should be given to the question: Does Rogaine work!
Yes, Rogaine does work for some but be prepared for disappointment. Rogaine can help hair loss on limited areas of the scalp, it is not a total hair loss solution.
Additionally, only when it is used daily and persistently does Rogaine work for some. Patience and determination are needed as results may not be seen for some months. Hair loss can even increase in the early stages of taking the medication so be prepared to stick with the treatment.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable pressure cooker
The Drug Propecia and Hair Loss
The drug propecia is a prescription hair loss medication designed mainly for men with mild to moderate hair loss. The effects of hair loss and propecia were studied in several clinical trials, and propecia was found to be better than a placebo.
The men in the studies, aged between 18 and 41, took propecia daily for a year. Some men took a placebo. Of the men who took the propecia, 86% either did not suffer further hair loss, or actually increased the amount of hair in the affected areas. Only 14% of men had continued hair loss.
The drug propecia has been found to be ineffective for women. This, combined with the potential danger of abnormalities to a male fetus, means that propecia is not prescribed for female pattern hair loss. Propecia has not been studied in older men, or men with complete baldness, and it has not been proved to work with a receding hairline. Propecia is not suitable for children, no doubt due to its negative effect on developing male genitals.
Generally, propecia is a very safe drug for hair loss. Most men taking it did not have any side effects, though some reported:
* erection difficulties
* reduced amount of semen
* less sexual desire
These were not permanent changes, and when those affected stopped taking propecia, their symptoms disappeared. Some men who reported these side effects were also able to continue taking propecia without the side effects continuing. The report I saw did not say whether the side effects just stopped, or if other treatment was undertaken to counteract them.
The drug propecia has only been studied on men for up to two years, and these men had no problems taking it for this period. However, based on research over a period of 32 years on men who are deficient on the enzyme that propecia suppresses, 5-alpha reductase, the mechanism by which propecia works seems to be quite safe for long term use.
Disadvantages of Taking Propecia
Propecia is not a cure for hair loss. Propecia works by interrupting the conversion process of testosterone to its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). It does this by effecting the enzyme catalyst, 5-alpha reductase, that is involved in the conversion process. In male pattern hair loss, there is an excess of DHT in the part of the scalp where hair loss occurs. So, by reducing the amounts of DHT in the scalp, propecia effectively works to prevent new hair loss, and allows hair to regrow. However, to continue the benefits of propecia, you’ll need to take it for the rest of your life. Once you stop taking propecia, the DHT levels will rise again in the scalp, and hair loss will return to pre-propecia levels.
The Drug Propecia and Pregnancy
Women should be very careful not to handle propecia if they are pregnant, as it can affect the development of the sex organs in a male fetus. So, it would be wise not to touch any open packets, or broken tablets. If you must, use a glove. Unbroken tablets are safety coated, so the active ingredient of propecia, which is the potential problem, is not present on the outside of the tablet.
For men taking propecia, if your wife is pregnant, there is no risk to her unless she is exposed to the active ingredient from a broken tablet. She, or the baby, won’t be harmed when her partner is taking it.
However, given that in some men propecia affects the amount of semen produced, if you are trying to conceive this may pose a problem. This side effect does not affect all, or most, men. But check with your doctor if you think this may be a concern.
References:
1. medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/p/propecia.htm
2. dermnetnz.org/treatments/finasteride.html
Author: Rebecca Prescott
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker
Loans- U.S. expands faster airport screening process to busiest airports
- Airbus A380 wings to have checks for cracks
- Talks continue between MTA, New York transit workers
- China opposes EU scheme on carbon tax for airlines flying in Europe
- FAA to issue rules on pilot fatigue more than a year after deadline
- FAA to issue rules on pilot fatigue more than a year after deadline
- Boeing machinists accept 4 year contract extension
- Women-only taxis start plying on Malaysian roads
- Urgent drive to act on road safety in Africa
- U.S. officials worried about exploding shipping containers from Vietnam
- Loans
- Sarah Burton wins Designer of the Year at 2011 British Fashion Awards
- Gaudy Christmas sweaters making fashion comeback
- Latest Discounts
- Givenchy Handbags Sale
- 20% Off at GoJane Coupon Ends in 4 Days!
- Shopbob Major Mid Season Sales 30% to 70% Off
- Barbie gets inked in fashion makeover
- Sales 50% Off from Three Dots Detail
- Start A Fashion Business (Quick Guide)
- 7 for All Mankind Sales from Couture Candy
- Loans
- Crocs footwear moves into accessories and apparel
- Hottest 2012 Super Bowl souvenir is a hand-knit scarf
- Digital catwalk is the new fashion for couture shows
- Over-the-top sneakers are everywhere
- Let the returns and exchanges begin
- Hats that won’t leave you with helmet head
- Auctions sell Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels, Steve Jobs’ Apple contract for millions
- Keep your cashmere in shape for seasons to come
- Barneys devotes whole floor to world of Gaga
- Intimacy 2.0 dress becomes transparent as you flirt
