Hair and Hormones: Hair Loss Linked with Aging
As women age, hair also is affected by the changing levels of hormones. Some women may experience a pattern of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia, in which hair thins on the vertex or top of their head and hair becomes finer in texture.
Women retain their hairline better than men with this type of alopecia, which is primarily genetic. This type of female hair loss is primarily treated with topical minoxidil and other therapies including oral medications which can affect androgen levels, such as oral contraceptives and spironolactone.
Fluctuations in androgens also can cause hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive growth of hair on the female face and body. Male-like patterns of hair may appear on the upper lip and chin, and more hair growth than usual may be seen on the arms and legs and even the chest and groin area. Hirsutism can be treated with topical treatments as well as many modes of hair removal including waxing, shaving and laser treatments.
If a woman has hirsutism, acne and irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that is often considered. This condition can be treated initially with oral contraceptives, but also with other oral medications, such as spironolactone and other anti-androgen medications. A blood test at a physician’s office can determine the cause of these symptoms and the best treatment option.
“Changing levels of hormones can have an impact on the skin, hair and nails that can be physically and emotionally challenging,” commented Dr. Parsons. “That’s why it’s important to consult with a dermatologist who can identify problem areas and recommend treatments that will keep the skin, hair and nails healthy no matter what a woman’s stage of life.”
drugstore.com Outlet: Sav e up to 60 % on hundreds&n bsp;of products!
For more info on hair loss visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...;and http://www.onlinepharmacydrug...
News Source: http://toronto.fashion-monito...
Procerin – all natural supplement for hair loss and regrow
Procerin is an all-natural drug to treat hair loss in men. Hair loss in men is due to androgenetic alopecia. This androgenetic alopecia increases the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. Conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) initiates the hair loss. Procerin reverses this hair loss process in men.
Procerin is a vitamin for hair loss and serum for thinning hair that is specially formulated to block production of DHT, the primary cause of hair loss in men. Procerin's primary ingredient, saw palmetto, is proven to block DHT and combat the effects of hair loss and thinning hair.
Procerin’s benefits are greatest for younger men (18-35), and those whose hair is still in a growth phase. Men that still have growing hair experience an increase in hair count, and improvement in both hairline and thinning at the crown of the their head. Men often begin losing hair in their 20’s, with hair loss progressing more rapidly as they age. As men get older, their hair’s natural growth cycle cannot keep up with the hair loss. Procerin is most effective for those men whose hair is still growing, but have thinning hair or a receding hairline. Procerin’s effectiveness for men whose hair is no longer in a growth phase is limited to retaining existing hair.
Procerin is scientifically designed to help men retain and regrow their hair. The active ingredients are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors. No harsh chemicals, no messy sprays or special shampoos, and no sexual side effects. Simply take Procerin tablets once in the morning, and once before bed. Procerin is the convenient solution to hair loss, available without a prescription. We want you to be completely satisfied with your choice to fight hair loss, so we offer an Unconditional 90-Day Money Back Guarantee. Should you ever be less than completely satisfied with your results while taking Procerin, simply return the unused tablets for a full refund. We're confident that you'll join the 88% of users who report success with Procerin!
Procerin is a relatively new product manufactured by Speedwinds Nutrition Inc. for those suffering from hair loss. It is a hair loss supplement, a blend of herbs, vitamins and minerals specially formulated to block production of DHT, the primary cause of hair loss in men. Procerin is an all-natural DHT inhibitor to use internally to stop hair loss and promote the regrowth of new hair.
Since Procerin is a non-prescription solution to hair loss, it's available without a prescription. The company claims an 88% success rate with Procerin.
Other popular male pattern hair loss drugs are propecia, provillus and rogaine.
For more info on hair loss treatments visit: online hair care tips
5 Proven Ways to Reverse Hair Loss
*Inversion* One of the major causes of baldness is a lack of bloodflow to the scalp. This may be caused by shrinking capillaries or scalp muscle tension. The simple solution is to reduce scalp tension and invert the body so more blood flows to the head. You can do this by letting half your body hang off the edge of a bed. Simply lie on your belly and allow the upper half of your body to hang towards the ground. Your head being the lowest point. The other easy way is lie down on the floor and prop your legs up on a chair. Lie flat on the floor and put your calves and ankles on the seat of a chair. Your legs should be at a ninety-degree angle.
*Nutrition* You are what you eat. Your body works with whatever nutrients you give it. So if you feed it fat and oil, the body is going to store it. Fat and oil is no good especially if you have an oily scalp. Switch to a lean meat, high fibre diet, and take multi-vitamins that contain biotin and zinc (two essential nutrients for hair growth). I know it's not easy to change the way you eat, especially when you have cravings or have been eating a certain way for years. But think of it as feeding your hair the nutrients it needs to grow strong and beautiful.
*Vital Energy* This concept is a bit esoteric, but it is a universal truth. Your body runs on vital energy. The Chinese call this Qi. The Indians call it Prana. Now this energy has two forms: Yin and Yang. Yin energy is cooling, like water. Yang energy is hot, like fire. You must keep the two in balance in order for the body to be healthy. Most people with thinning hair, have an excess of Yang energy. They like to eat high Yang energy foods like meat and nuts. Understand that hair is associated with Yin energy. So you've got to eat the cooling stuff like fruits, vegetables; soybean, tofu, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, bananas and more. All the stuff you didn't like to eat as a kid. Reduce the intake of heaty foods like burgers, pizzas, steak, fries, deep-fried chicken and anything with excessive oil.
If you don't like having to chew through all that fruit and vegetable fibre, I've got a million dollar tip for you: GET A BLENDER. You can put your fruits and selected vegetables in it; add ice, throw some yogurt on top (and water, if neccessary), press blend and presto! Instant smoothie. This one technique has helped me consume five times more fruit and vegetables than I would in a normal day. Imagine the nutritional power of taking in one apple, two pears, one banana, one carrot, one tomatoe and three stalks of celery, all in one smooth and delicious drink! *Cut Toxic Substances* It makes sense that if you're trying to grow hair through a healthy body, you've got to remove the toxins from your system. And the major intake of toxins used by the majority of the population are tobacco and alcohol. If you smoke - quit. If you drink - reduce or refuse. Removing these two poisons will stop the toxic build-up in your system. Only then will your effort to consume nutritious foods and balance vital energy not be wasted by these damaging habits.
*Become Stress-Free* In your effort to ensure maximum bloodflow and nutrition to the scalp, one natural factor can inhibit your progress - stress. Stress can cause your scalp muscles to contract while you furrow your brow in frustration. This stops the bloodflow to your hair roots. Without the blood to deliver nutrients, your hair follicles die.
Whether you're a working person or a student, everyone experiences stress. It's a natural part of life. The difference between those who feel free and happy, and those who are frustrated, is simply the ability to relax and let go of worries. In this crazy fast-paced world of ours, the ability to let go and centre oneself is becoming a rare commodity. Many people simply don't know how to avoid getting stressed. I can't teach you the whole technique here, but I'll point you in the two golden directions to removing stress from your life.
#1 Learn to Meditate That's right, you heard me. Meditate. Learn to sit down and let all your thought flow past. Neither criticizing nor worrying about what you should do about it all. Simply let it pass. I suggest you learn to meditate. Whether you learn from book, from audio, or a formal class. It's one skill that will bring you a lifetime of stress-free living.
#2 Get Organized When you have a plan, you reduce the amount of worry in your mind. Having a concrete step-by-step plan of what you need to do to overcome your problems provides a sense of security and certainty. No longer are you a lost ship at sea because now you have a map. All you need to do is paddle real hard to get to where you want to go. The value in organizing yourself is you reduce stress and increase productivity. Not only will you grow more hair, you'll be a greater success because of it. Hair loss can be stopped. Discover the factors that cause thinning hair and learn how you can reverse it to grow a fuller head of hair.
#3 Some of the most popular hair loss medications are propecia, procerin, provillus and rogaine.
For more info on hair loss medications visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.amazines.com/Healt...;Title=5%20Proven%20Ways% 20to%20Reverse%20Hair%20L oss
Personal expression includes body hair
Everyone is overly concerned with eradicating body hair to the extent of shaving, waxing, using depilatories and even threading it away. Some girls as young as 12 are getting Brazilian waxes that have nothing to do with the South American country.
The paparazzi had a heyday when Julia Roberts exposed her armpit hair at a London movie premiere in the late ’90s. But why is our culture obsessed with body hair?
Some people are turned on by body hair. Maybe you love boys with back hair or think your girlfriend’s leg hair is the cutest thing ever. I personally think bearded boys are the epitome of dreamboats. But generally speaking, most people find excessive body hair in “inappropriate&rdqu o; places downright disgusting.
Most of the women I talked to in an informal campus survey shave regularly and are repulsed by hair on any place but their heads. Some of the women expressed their overall hatred for hair on anyone else, especially other hairy female armpits. Others were accepting of individual cosmetic choices but preferred to shave themselves.
The men I talked to were mostly concerned with going bald and were disgusted by women with unconventional spots for hair growth, like on the face, arms and legs.
There is a hypocritical standard of body hair in North American culture. Body hair is a sign of sexuality when it is in the correct place, but it is considered undesirable anywhere else. Females with long, flowing locks are the pinnacle of femininity, but hair anywhere else is a faux pas. It is generally more acceptable for men to have random dense patches of body hair and be bearded symbols of virility, but male pattern baldness is feared because it is considered unattractive.
According to a December 2003 article in The Economist, there were about the same number of women in America getting boob jobs as there were men getting hair implants.
Women are as afraid of having body hair as men are of not having hair. But maybe men aren’t supposed to have hair past middle age and women are supposed to have armpit gardens.
There are numerous sociological and biological reasons for body hair. It’s a protective barrier to certain vulnerable parts of the body. Charles Darwin was a fan of shaving in warmer climates in order to keep the human body free from little, nasty parasites.
An alleged reason for the Sisyphean chore of female leg shaving is attributed to the 1920s flappers because the short-skirt fashion necessitated smooth legs. But apart from protection against disease and 20th-Century fashion sense, body hair today is removed for other reasons.
In a study examining the correlation between women’s politics and sexual preference and the presence of leg and underarm hair, Susan Basow, professor of psychology at Pennsylvania’s Lafayette College, found that women who have hairy legs identified themselves as “very strong feminists and/or as not exclusively heterosexual.” But this is just another example of the great beauty fallacy that forces people to conform to stereotypes. Your body hair is a political statement? It’s from sheer laziness? You simply love hair? Well, you must be an unfeminine woman.
Without undermining the repercussions of unrealistic beauty expectations, or, for that matter, the need for a body hair riot, it is a secret boon that the United States can have a preoccupation with body image. Other areas, such as the Middle East and Africa, don’t even have the chance to criticize and challenge the cultural implications of media images and beauty practices.
Some might believe hair growth is the battle that feminism lost. But that would imply the women’s movement is over. And it’s not.
I say the battle is just beginning.
Don’t be afraid of going bald or letting a little hair show – it can be a statement against the fascist beauty standards of Western society. If people can accept personal choices of having body hair or not having body hair, we can have ourselves a good ol’ body-hair riot with some bald men and hairy-legged ladies.
There is no problem with voluntary removal of body hair, as it is a personal preference, but people should not feel forced to annually spend hundreds of dollars to painfully remove every hair, and should instead consider not being so consumed by a socially-constructed body image.
Body hair isn’t gross, it’s natural.
Start a rebellion and start loving your body. Body hair acceptance could be the gateway to the universal love of all body types.
Other popular pattern hair loss medications are procerin, provillus and rogaine
For more info on hair care tips visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.dailyevergreen.com...
Baldness remedies - what works and what doesn't?
People have always been surprisingly gullible where their hair is concerned. Such was her vanity, Queen Victoria was driven to drink silver birch wine, made from the rising sap, because she believed it would cure her baldness. Even now in an image conscious age, when the masculine icon of the moment, footballer David Beckham, can voluntarily surrender his trademark dishevelled blond fringe for a shaven head, hair loss is refusing to become fashionable.
A heavy weight political writer went so far as to say that William Hague wouldn't get elected Prime Minister because of his baldness. Neil Kinnock, previously rejected for the post, agreed and he hasn't got much on top either. Jokes aside, consultant dermatologist Dr Andrew Messenger of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, told NetDoctor: 'Although the great majority of men learn to live with it, I think everybody would prefer not to be bald. For a very small number of men, it becomes a big issue.'
It is often but not always younger men, he says, who are so alarmed by their hair thinning that they go to a doctor asking what can be done about it.
Most doctors believe that because the treatment options are so limited, balding men should think deeply before using any remedies. It isn't a life-threatening condition and it is easy to spend a lot of money unsuccessfully attempting to restore a full head of hair. But as Dr Messenger points out, it is a matter about how the man losing his hair feels, rather than how others think he ought to feel. His whole life can begin revolving around something that would be a small problem to the average bloke. Dr Messenger is quite clear about the possibilities. He says: 'There are only two ways to deal with baldness currently available in the UK which the evidence shows work to at least some extent.'
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical solution, to be applied twice a day, under the brand name Regaine. About two-thirds of the men who use it have some improvement in their hair growth, ranging from minimal regrowth to moderate to dense regrowth after four months of use. It depends on how bad the hair loss has been and how long it has been happening. It is not possible to forecast how effective minoxidil will be or who it will help. There is no evidence that it works better for younger men because of their age. They may get better results because their hair loss is not that severe and has only recently started but this would apply to a man in middle age too.
The regrowth of hair could be as much as 20 or 25 per cent of the existing hair. A higher strength version of the preparation, Regaine Extra Strength, has a slightly better effect. The first sign of new hair begins to show after two months and it peaks at around one year. In trials comparing the two strengths, Regaine Extra produced 43 per cent more regrowth than the regular strength after 12 months use.
Twice daily applications of minoxidil need to be continued for continued hair growth. Regrown hair may begin to disappear three to four months after stopping treatment and the balding process will start again.
'It can become a bit of a bind rubbing it into the scalp twice a day after it has stopped improving and you can't see anything happening,' said Dr Messenger. 'You also have to go on paying for it at the rate of about £25 per month.' The price depends on the strength and quantity of minoxidil being purchased. It is possible to get a triple pack, a three-month supply, over the counter for £59.95. On the Internet, it can cost as little as £10 a month when bought from the United States.
It is a safe drug and the only side effect is occasional irritation of the scalp and the growth of hair on other parts of the body which is not enough to worry men. However, it isn't known how minoxidil works. It was first used on patients with heart disease who reported an increased growth in their hair. This has led people to speculate that it may increase the blood supply to the hair follicles.
Some people have noticed that when they first use minoxidil, the loss of hair actually increases. Later, if the hair starts to regrow, it will probably be soft, downy and barely visible. However, with continued use of minoxidil, this new hair may become the same colour and thickness as the rest of your hair. It isn't known why it works for some people and not others.
Finasteride
Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is an oral treatment for male pattern baldness now available on private prescription in the UK. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it.
Propecia is effective in about 80 per cent of men, though it may take three to six months of treatment before a decrease in hair loss or increase in hair density is noticed. Continued use is recommended to obtain the maximum benefit and this can be expensive, as doctors can only prescribe the medicine on a private prescription. The cost of the treatment is around £30 per month. If you stop taking the drug you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.
Potential side effects of Propecia include some sexual problems, such as a decrease in sex drive and temporary impotence. Women cannot take the treatment, nor should they handle any crushed or broken Propecia tablets, as the active ingredient can cause feminisation of a male foetus in pregnant women.
Hair replacement grafts
Another approach to combating baldness is to transplant the hair from the back of the scalp where it usually grows abundantly in bald men, especially younger men. It is transplanted to the bald patch where it grows in the same manner as if it were still on the donor site. The minor operation is under local anaesthetic and can be done in several stages or in one mega session where thousands of hairs are involved.
The hair is now usually moved in micrografts - small groups of hairs - to get a more natural look. This is designed to avoid it resembling a conifer plantation or the doll's head effect. 'A good result depends entirely on the surgeon's skill,' says Dr Messenger. 'The cost will be in thousands rather than hundreds. I have seen some fairly good results but I don't think it ever looks completely natural. 'The side effects are the usual surgical risks of infection and scarring. The main problem is that the man may not be pleased with the results and unfortunately, he is stuck with it. There is no known way of reversing this procedure and he won't necessarily go bald again. The hairs will grow on in the same way as the hairs at the back of the head which most men keep forever. 'I wouldn't recommend surgery hair grafts to anybody. I would let them know it's available but that's all. I certainly wouldn't have it done myself. It is pretty bloody and traumatic,' said Dr Messenger.
Dr David Fenton, a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas's Hospital, London, said he thought men worried about their hair loss should be careful to stay away from any advertised services. 'Many of these people are offering treatments which have no scientific basis. Men wishing to restore their hair should stay well clear of them and get advice from doctors. Then they will be advised by people who are highly trained in their field, not salesmen with no medical background whatsoever.' He also feels that these men should be supported, given counselling and not belittled.
Your money can follow your hair down the sink
Elizabeth Steel founded the support group Hairline International for both men and women after she lost her own hair. 'We hear of so many unsatisfactory transplants that we no longer recommend them,' she said. 'We advise our members to stay away from private clinics to avoid losing their money as well as their hair. It is just money down the drain. Some men have told me they knew the exotic and expensive remedies they were given weren't going to work but they just wanted to enjoy the temporary light at the end of the tunnel,' said Elizabeth Steel. Her organisation has given impartial advice to more than 30,000 men worried about their hair falling out. She agrees that thinning hair can leave men very vulnerable. She has known a 40-year-old man with a good job and two children kill himself after a hair transplant went wrong.
A report by the House of Commons All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin published in December 1999 unearthed examples of fraudulent practice in treatment offered for hair loss. A chain of clinics in London and 13 other UK cities was found to be charging £1300 for initial treatment and £45 per week thereafter.
Naturally, the Internet is also home to some highly dubious baldness treatments. Some Internet sites make their pitch by using phrases saying how important hair is to us in our self-confidence, our sexuality and our wellbeing. It makes a jar of herbal cream at £59.95, vitamins at £25 and shampoo at £8, seem cheap at the price. Other sites use pseudo-scientific language to encourage men, in despair over their thinning hair, to buy their services. As ever, many of these sites have a small print that promises much less than the large print, so consult your doctor before you hand over your money to anyone offering a cure for baldness.
For more info on male pattern hair loss visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/life...
Hair Loss and Baldness - Why Plugged Hair Follicles Thin Your Hair and What You Can Do
Losing your hair to where it thins or you become bald does not have to happen. Just by understanding why your hair falls out and thins allows you to take counter measures. Discover what counter measures you need to take to keep your hair full, thick, or from thinning.
There are various ways to keep your hair clean, shiny, and thick. If you still have hair and want to keep it or if your hair is starting to thin out, here are some hair remedies that you can use.
When your hair starts to thin down, three of the reasons are:
* Your hair follicles are slowly becoming plug and preventing hair from growing out
* Your hair is not receiving the nutrients it needs to grow and stay strong
* Your hair is not getting enough blood circulating in your scalp
I will cover only the first of the two items.
Plugged Hair Follicles
Just like acne, your hair follicles can become plugged. In acne a plug follicle results in sebum and bacteria becoming trapped in the follicle, which leads to an infection known as a pimple.
When a hair follicle becomes plugged on your scalp, the hair in that follicle becomes trapped and is prevented from coming to the surface. Over time, your scalp becomes smooth and you become bald or lose most of your hair.
So the secret to preventing hair loss, thinning and balding is to prevent your hair follicles from becoming plugged. Once you know what causes your follicle to plug, you can avoid or counteract those conditions.
Here is what causes your follicles to become plugged.
* Excessive build up of testosterone in blood converting over to DHT and plugging up your hair follicles
* Use of shampoos, conditioners, and gels that contain excessive un-natural chemical that stay on your scalp and get trapped in your follicles
* Excessive release of sebum and scalp flaking mixing together to form a hard material that plugs up your follicles.
DHT Build Up in Your Follicle
It is well known now that excessive conversion of testosterone into DHT accumulates in the hair follicles and plugs. Knowing this you can use a variety of shampoos on your hair to dissolve this DHT. This keeps your pores open and your hair growing normally. You can also take capsules that prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Un-natural Shampoo and Conditioners
Most shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels are created using petrochemicals, un-natural additives, dyes, preservatives that are harmful to your hair and scalp.
In addition, these un-natural hair product chemicals get into your pores and can plug. Once in the follicle, they also get into your blood and are harmful to your liver and the rest of your body.
Search for more natural shampoo products which contain fewer petrochemicals and have more herbs with natural cleansing chemicals
Excessive Sebum and Scalp Flaking
Some people have oily hair and some dry. When the hair follicle releases excess sebum it accumulates on the scalp. Here it will combine with dirt, dead scalp cells, and shampoo chemical residues.
Using natural remedies reduces the amount of chemical available to combine with excess sebum and dead scalp cells. If you use any type of gel to style your hair these gels combine with sebum to plug up your follicles.
To keep your hair and scalp clean and follicles open, use aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of jojoba oil. Buy aloe vera gel, 99% pure and pure jojoba oil. Put some aloe vera gel in your hand and add 4-5 drops of jojoba oil. Rub your hands together then rub this mixture into your hair. This mixture will keep your hair shiny and thick and your hair follicles open.
Just making these changes to your hair care will go a long way in keeping your hair from thinning any further.
Get rig of male pattern hair loss by propecia.
For more info on hair care tips visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.bestsyndication.co...
Hair Loss Medication - Propecia
Many of the available hair loss medications are called ‘Alpha Reductase Inhibitors’ for the enzyme they inhibit. Reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dehydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is suspected by many to be one of the main causes of hair loss. We will discuss the basics of each treatment that falls under this category of hair loss medication.
Propecia
One type of hair loss medication is Propecia - the first and only FDA approved hair loss pill. This type of medication works by inhibiting type II reductase in the body. The good part is that it does bring back hair growth on the top and front of the head, but the main setback is that if you quit taking this pill your hair will fall back out again.
There is a new drug on the market that is believed to be more effective than Propecia, because it inhibits both type one and two reductase, whereas Propecia is only effective with type two. This new drug is called Avodart.
Anti-Androgens
Other types of hair loss medication include the anti-androgens. These medications inhibit the male sex hormones in our body and are commonly prescribed for female pattern baldness. Male patients should exercise caution with this type of hair loss medication.
Aldactone is otherwise known as Spironolactone and is mostly used by women. The other type of medication for women is known as Diane35. Men should not use these medications because they will lower their sex hormones, and could possibly cause further hair loss. Proper balancing with hormones between males and females is very important when determining the correct hair loss medication.
Loniten is a hair growth stimulant and contains the same active ingredient as the topical treatments like Rogaine, but they are in oral form.
Arimidex can be used as a hair loss medication because it inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the production of estrogen in our bodies. This is mainly used by men who are concerned about the feminizing effects of Propecia.
In conclusion, there are many different options available on the market today that don’t require surgery of any kind. The important part is knowing which sex the drugs exist for and make sure you are taking the correct one. If you are interested in hair loss medication, you must have all the facts before you start to take anything.
For more info on hair care related resources visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
Article Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/...
Ask Dr. Tracy: Male Hair Loss
But do they work? &n bsp; I turned to an expert for help with this one -- Dr. Mark Koone is a nationally recognized dermatologist. He sarted with a reminder of how common and natural male pattern baldness is.
"Male pattern hair loss essentially effects every male after about 18-20. If you don't have a little bit of hair loss by age 20, there might be something wrong with you," stated Dr. Koone.
Many are confused about what causes male pattern hair loss.
"More than anything it's related to an enzyme. It's not testoerone level as a pure play. It's really the level of an enzyme in your skin. The name of the enzyme is 5-alpha-reductase," explains Dr. Koone.
So what can be done if you're uncomfortable with your hair pattern?
Despite their claims, no over the counter remedy has been proven to work -- expect for Rogaine. Rogaine, or monoxidil, is a blood pressure medication. A side effect is hair growth -- But this effect is only modest. & nbsp;
If you opt for a doctor's treatment, you may receive a prescription for Propecia -- this drug works by blocking the enzymes that causes hair loss.
Dr. Koone says there are two things you should know if you choose either of these treatments,-
"Once you stop the drug, you're going to loose what grew as a result of the drug ...Plus what you would have lost during the time period for which you used the drug."
Shy of these medications or surgery, there is not much a man can do to prevent mother nature from taking its course.
Though you may want to consider another option -- perhaps embrasing your new look -- like many so men have done successfully.
For more info on male pattern baldness visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.kten.com/Global/st...
Rogaine treatment bolsters hair growth, confidence
Just like if you shaved the mane of lion, men seem to lose something if they start to go bald.
Because of this, and the hair loss on the top of my head, I decided to use Rogaine to see whether I could reverse it.
Other men, I found, also ponder the sad state of affairs topping their heads.
Jeremy Carther, a sophomore computer science major, currently shaves his head to mask his bald spots.
"I have a terrible receding hairline," he said. "I just got a little sprout in the back of the top of my head."
He's tried using down-home remedies to tempt the hair back, like carrot oil. Nothing happened.
He's balding, he says, because his "body's growin' too fast."
"My dad's balding, but he balded like 10 years later then I did," he said. "It seems to be in the family."
Overall, he said, it doesn't lower his self-esteem too much. He doesn't care now that he's in college, but in high school - when the balding started to spread - it was a big deal.
Surprising, he's happy being bald.
"It's a distinctive look," he said. "I wouldn't stand out as much."
But those donning gorgeous, Fabio-esque hair don't want to part with their lovable locks.
Jesse Grimm, a junior education major, has some of the most gorgeous man-hair I have ever seen.
He'd be depressed without his hair, he said.
"Chicks don't dig baldness," he said.
Plus, men with hair have a workplace advantage - even though he felt that it shouldn't necessarily be that way.
But what if his Californian-surfer locks started to recede, a la Bruce Willis?
"I'm a pretty strong-willed person, so it wouldn't lower my self-esteem," he said.
Dr. Stuart Westburg, a dermatologist at the Lincoln Dermatology Clinic, said male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of inheritance and hormones.
He said some men's hormones affect the hair follicles and shrink them down. Once they become too narrow, they are eventually lost.
Men and women bald in different ways, he said.
"Some bald more in the frontal area around the forehead and the temples, and some bald on the vertex, or the top of the scalp," he said.
Westburg said only a couple of treatments have proven helpful in combating balding and carry the Food and Drug Administration's stamp of approval: Propecia and Minoxidil.
Propecia is a hormone, and minoxidil is contained in Rogaine. .
Originally, the chemicals in Rogaine were used in high blood pressure treatments. Experts noticed people started to grow excessive hair as a side effect.
He added that the treatments don't necessarily work in all cases, and they sometimes take a long time. They must be used at length, and users won't necessarily see immediate results.
In my trials with Rogaine, I was incredibly surprised to see that it seemed to work. I thought I saw no difference, but coworkers and friends were also surprised when I showed them the top of my head.
This makes me believe they were never telling me how bad it must've been.
It's easy to apply - once in the morning and once a few hours before you go to bed. You take a little dropper, fill it up with the solution, sprinkle it on the top of your head, rub it around and then wash your hands.
But even though the box claims Rogaine has no fragrance, it did have somewhat of a smell - although neither distressing nor repugnant. It also tended to make that part of my hair feel a little different, almost as if I had put a tiny amount of hair gel on the top of my head.
As a man, I have always been self-conscious about my hair. I had incredibly long hair in high school and going bald at the age of 20 was very distressing.
Luckily, I was balding on the top of my head - where Rogaine treatment is most effective. My dad bought me some Rogaine on a fluke just to see if it worked.
Those with receding hairlines won't see any effect, though. Instead, try Propecia.
Thanks to Rogaine, I was able to look good with my new haircut and boost my self-esteem. I may not have a beautiful, lion-like mane of hair, but I'm certainly working with what I've got.
For more info visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
News Source: http://www.dailynebraskan.com...;sourcedomain=www.dailynebraskan.com
Hair loss update: what you need to know
The Cause: Today, it is a known medical fact that hair loss is not due to poor circulation, lack of nutrition, or clogged hair follicles. In 95% of cases, hair loss is due to a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles to a normal body hormone called Dihydrotestorone or DHT. This condition is known as Androgenetic Alopecia or "Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss". We normally loose about 100 to 200 hair a day as a part of hair's normal growth and renewal cycle. Under the suppressive effects of DHT, the rate of hair loss increases and the hair follicles produce shorter and thinner hairs. Eventually the hair follicle dies and the hair is permanently lost.
Treatments: There are no cures for hair loss but its progress can be stopped and its effects reversed to some extent. Currently there are two available medications for treatment of hair loss. Propecia[R] is a medication available by prescription for men only. It works by inhibiting the enzyme that produces DHT, preventing its destructive effect on the hair follicle. Rogaine[R] is a Topical formula and works by stimulating the hair follicle and keeping it in the growth phase.
Natural Alternatives: Revivogen[R] is a dermatologist formulated natural alternative for hair loss and thinning hair. Revivogen is made with scientifically proven natural ingredients proven to inhibit DHT production, similar to Propecia[R] and stimulate the hair follicles like Rogaine[R] in an easy to use topical formula. Because Revivogen is a topical formula and is made with natural ingredients, it does not affect DHT production elsewhere in the body; therefore, it has no systemic side-effects and is safe for use by both men and women. By reducing DHT's production and its destructive effects on the hair follicle, the weakened and miniaturized hairs can become thicker and stronger again, leading to a fuller and healthier head of hair. Revivogen is the only natural product endorsed by hair loss consumer advocate Spencer Kobrin and recommended by dermatologists
For more info on hair loss treatments visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo...
Article Source: http://findarticles.com/p/art...
FDA approved hair loss pills
One type of hair loss medication is Propecia - the first and only FDA approved hair loss pill. This type of medication works by inhibiting type II reductase in the body. The good part is that it does bring back hair growth on the top and front of the head, but the main setback is that if you quit taking this pill your hair will fall back out again.
There is a new drug on the market that is believed to be more effective than Propecia, because it inhibits both type one and two reductase, whereas Propecia is only effective with type two. This new drug is called Avodart.Anti-Androgens
Other types of hair loss medication include the anti-androgens. These medications inhibit the male sex hormones in our body and are commonly prescribed for female pattern baldness. Male patients should exercise caution with this type of hair loss medication.Aldactone is otherwise known as Spironolactone and is mostly used by women. The other type of medication for women is known as Diane35. Men should not use these medications because they will lower their sex hormones, and could possibly cause further hair loss. Proper balancing with hormones between males and females is very important when determining the correct hair loss medication.
Loniten is a hair growth stimulant and contains the same active ingredient as the topical treatments like Rogaine, but they are in oral form.Arimidex can be used as a hair loss medication because it inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the production of estrogen in our bodies. Men who are concerned about the feminizing effects of Propecia mainly use this.
In conclusion, there are many different options available on the market today that don’t require surgery of any kind. The important part is knowing which sex the drugs exist for and make sure you are taking the correct one. If you are interested in hair loss medication, you must have all the facts before you start to take anything.Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/...;id=262783
Official 5 years trial results on propecia
The longest running hair loss treatment clinical trial in history shows continued effectiveness in Propecia after 5 full years of use...
New Five-Year Study with Propecia Showed That the `Hair Count' Gap Grew Over Time Between Men Who Treated Hair Loss with Propecia, Compared to Men Who Didn't
The longest controlled clinical trial of a hair loss treatment ever reported showed that men who took Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) compared to men who took a placebo had a considerable difference in their hair counts after five years, according to data presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The new study showed a difference of 277 hairs in a one-inch diameter circle of scalp in favor of men treated with Propecia for five years (n=219) vs. those who received a placebo (n=15). Baseline hair counts of all men at the start of the study averaged 876 hairs in the one-inch diameter circle.
"This study provides new, long-term scientific data that Propecia helped the majority of men with predominantly vertex male pattern hair loss keep the amount of hair they have," said Keith Kaufman, M.D., senior director, Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories. "The study also was the first controlled clinical trial to evaluate the course of untreated hair loss over a five-year period and to show the progressive nature of male pattern hair loss."
Made by Merck & Co., Inc., Propecia is indicated for the treatment of certain types of hair loss in men only, based upon two-year studies. Propecia is a once-a-day treatment and is the only pill for male pattern hair loss approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Hair loss affects approximately 30 million men in the United States. Propecia is not indicated for use in women or children.
The five-year data are from investigational extension studies of double- blind placebo-controlled clinical trials that first demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Propecia in 1,553 men age 18 to 41 with mild-to-moderate male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in the vertex region (top of the head). Efficacy in bi-temporal recession (hair loss at the temples) has not been established.
Men who entered the initial 12-month studies of Propecia were randomized to receive either Propecia (n=779) or placebo (n=774). The initial 12-month studies were extended on an annual basis, with only a small number of men remaining on placebo in subsequent years, as specified in the study design. Men who completed each one-year extension were given the opportunity to enroll in the next one-year extension, for up to five years. The five-year data presented focused on the results of men who continued on the same therapy -- either Propecia or placebo -- for the entire five years.
Five-year efficacy results
The studies assessed the efficacy of Propecia by four separate endpoints: hair counts in a one-inch diameter circle of the scalp; assessments of "before" and "after" photographs by a panel of dermatologists; patient questionnaires and investigator assessments of changes in scalp hair growth. The effectiveness of Propecia vs. placebo was demonstrated as follows:
Hair count: At the start of the studies, baseline hair counts averaged 876 hairs in a one-inch diameter area of scalp. By the end of the first year, men taking Propecia had an average of 126 more hairs than men taking placebo. This difference continued to grow, and, by the end of the fifth year, the net difference between the groups increased to 277 hairs in favor of the men taking Propecia. At the end of the fifth year, 65 percent of men taking Propecia (n=219) maintained or improved their hair count compared to their hair count at the start of the studies, while all of the men on placebo (n=15) lost hair count.
Before and after photos: The panel of dermatologists who reviewed standardized clinical photographs of men treated with Propecia (n=279) and men on placebo (n=16) at the end of the five-year study rated 90 percent of men treated with Propecia as having had no further visible hair loss compared to baseline vs. 25 percent of men on placebo.
Patient questionnaires: Questionnaires completed at five years by men on Propecia (n=284) and by men on placebo (n=15) showed that men treated with Propecia indicated a higher level of satisfaction with the appearance of: their hair overall (63 percent vs. 20 percent), the hair on top of their heads (59 percent vs. 13 percent) and their frontal hairline (48 percent vs. 7 percent). Men treated with Propecia were more likely to say that: their bald spot was getting smaller (61 percent vs. 20 percent); the appearance of their hair had improved (77 percent vs. 40 percent); they had experienced increased hair growth (75 percent vs. 40 percent) and their hair loss had slowed (90 percent vs. 67 percent).
Investigator assessments: Physician investigators who evaluated the men treated with Propecia (n=279) and men on placebo (n=13) at the end of five years determined that 77 percent of the men treated with Propecia had increases in scalp hair, compared with 15 percent of men on placebo.
Five-year safety profile
The five-year study confirmed the excellent safety profile of Propecia. In the initial 12-month clinical studies, the following side effects were the most common and reported by a very small number of men: less desire for sex (1.8 percent vs. 1.3 percent on placebo), difficulty in achieving an erection (1.3 percent vs. 0.7 percent on placebo) and a decrease in the amount of semen (0.8 percent vs. 0.4 percent on placebo). These sexual side effects went away in all men who discontinued therapy because of them and also disappeared in most (56 percent men who chose to continue taking Propecia through the fifth year of the study. By the end of the fifth year, the incidence of those side effects was less than or equal to 0.3 percent in men who continued treatment with Propecia vs. men on placebo.
For more info on hair care tips visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo..., http://haircaretips.blog.com/... and http://haircaretips.tripod.co...
News Source: http://www.hairlosstalk.com/n...
Propecia Keeps You Away from Losing Your Hair
Just imagine your head without a single strand of hair. Embarrassing right! But it’s true; anybody can confront this problem during any time of their life cycle. Hairs are an integral part of our personality and enhance it a lot. At times people with less hair or without hair do create inferiority complexes within themselves. This is general and no body can deny the fact. But it is found that majority of us experiment with this problem by undergoing various medications or therapy without any proper knowledge and the outcome is fatal.
Every body has some amount of hair loss everyday. However for some it becomes excessive. But there are treatments for hair loss through proper medications. You may not get as much hair you are expecting but medications will surely slow down your hair loss and help to regrow hair. After a vigorous research on the causes of various reasons behind male pattern hair loss, dermatologists across the world now suggest Propecia as an effective remedy for hair loss. Based on various result oriented clinical trials dermatologist confirmed results within 3-12 months after using Propecia. It is the lone FDA approved pill for treatment of male pattern hair loss.
The effectiveness of Propecia was demonstrated in men aged 18-41 with mild to moderate hair loss for more than 12 months. Within duration of three months the benefits of Propecia was noteworthy but was concluded that if Propecia doesn’t work for you within 12 months, further treatment is of no use and is better to discontinue.
Propecia works from the day 1 of its use. It lowers the amount of DHT in our scalp. DHT is a substance in the body which on increasing shrinks the hair follicles until it no longer produces hair. The main constituent Finasteride is a very active element that lowers down the amount of DHT.
As a drug it does have some side effects and it’s customary. Finasteride may give some allergic side affects but these side affects are tolerable as well as reversible. Propecia is available by prescription only, so it is wise to consult a doctor before its usage.
Alan Anderson writes on health, beauty and hairstyles. He has been working in the same field and writes informative articles for Hair Care subject. To learn more about Propecia, Hair Care tips, Hair Care Products, Hair loss, Hair Loss treatment visit http://www.haircaretips.net. For more info on hair care visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo..., http://haircaretips.blog.com and http://haircaretips.tripod.co... News Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/...;id=253711 |
Support for Children with Cancer & Alopecia
New local non-profit organization provides much needed support for children with hair loss from cancer and alopecia. I’m a Kid Foundation offers support to children with hair loss from cancer and alopecia through increasing public awareness of hair loss and offering programs that improve the lives of those affected by hair loss.
“There is a huge need for support, resources, and encouragement for these children,” said Chris Bovill, an officer of I’m a Kid Foundation. “So many children are suffering from alopecia and cancer and we wanted to do something to help them.” Bovill and his wife created the foundation after realizing that not enough help and support was being given to the bald children of the world.
The two main medical reasons for children to have hair loss are from chemotherapy treatments for cancer, and from alopecia, an autoimmune disease. Twelve thousand children each year are newly diagnosed with cancer and approximately one million additional children in the United States are suffering from alopecia. These are huge numbers of children that need resources, support, encouragement, and help.
“Hair loss in children can be a very traumatic experience. The child’s peers can be extremely cruel and tease the bald child. Sometimes children will even go so far as to pull another child’s wig off of his or her head which devastates the child without hair. A child needs the support of their family, friends, and community,” stated Bovill.
The Foundation will be launching an Education Awareness in Schools program in hopes that the more children, school staff, and parents that are aware of hair loss in children from alopecia and cancer, then the more accepting of the condition society will be. Ultimately this will allow for a somewhat easier time for the child dealing with hair loss and treatments from their disease.
I’m a Kid Foundation needs the support of the community to help in achieving their goal. Sponsors, donations, volunteers, and any other help and support you can provide will help the cause greatly.
For more resources on hair care tips visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo..., http://haircaretips.blog.com/... and http://haircaretips.tripod.co...
News Source: http://www.theopenpress.com/i...;id=11357
What is male hair loss (male pattern baldness/androgenic alopecia)?
In the past, baldness was often seen as something unfortunate or undesirable. However, this attitude has changed over the years and nowadays a clean-shaven head is usually considered both fashionable and attractive.
What causes male hair loss?
Some men have areas on the scalp that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones that circulate in men's blood. The hormones make the hair follicles - from which hair grows - shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task.
The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30 and follows a typical pattern. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to.
Can male hair loss be prevented?
Male hair loss is genetically determined (passed on from parents). Although a doctor can offer medical treatment to improve the condition, this may have side effects.
What can be done at home?
You need to decide how you feel about hair loss. Male hair loss affects a large part of the male population and people react very differently to it.
It is important to try to accept hair loss for what it is - something natural. Rather than trying to camouflage bald spots with remaining hair or a wig, it is probably a better idea to leave your hair as it is, or shave it off completely. If, however, you decide to try to regain your hair, possible medical treatments are discussed below.
How is male hair loss treated?
Baldness is generally regarded as natural, and not a disease. So if a person decides they wish to try to get their hair back, they will probably have to pay for the lengthy, expensive procedure themselves.
- Treatment with medication
- Minoxidil lotion (Rogaine regular strength or Rogaine extra strength) is applied twice daily to the scalp. Minoxidil was originally invented as a treatment for high blood pressure; the hair growth is a side effect that, in this case, has proved useful. It is not available on NHS prescription, but can be purchased over-the-counter. About 60 per cent of patients benefit from it to varying degrees and its effects start to wear off as soon as it is stopped.
- Finasteride (Propecia) is a medicine taken in tablet form that partially blocks the effects of the male hormones (an 'anti-androgen'). It is used in a higher dose to reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Propecia has been shown to halt further hair loss and promote re-growth of scalp hair in approximately 80 per cent of patients after three to six months. Treatment must be continued to sustain the improvement in hair growth. It is only available on private prescription and a months supply costs around £30.
- Plastic surgery
- a transplant, where the surgeon moves non-sensitive hairs from the back of the head to the top. This is best for men whose hair loss is limited to the front of the scalp. Factors that determine whether a person is a suitable candidate include age, hair colour, the nature of hair loss, and whether the hair type is straight or curly.
- scalp reduction, a technique that is most suitable for men with a small, well-defined bald spot on the top of the head.
- flap-surgery, which involves making the part of the scalp that still contains hair larger. This is a possibility in cases of hair loss over a small area.
Plastic surgery may be the only reliable way to replace lost hair, and techniques for restoring hair growth are constantly improving. These include:
Hair loss in women
Women can also suffer hair loss, especially those with many relatives who are also prone to losing their hair.
The female pattern sets in at a later age than in men and is usually limited to the top of the head. Total baldness is rarely seen in women.
The only treatment licensed for hair loss in women is Rogaine regular strength.
For more info about hair care visit: http://onlinehaircaretips .blo..., http://haircaretips.blog.com/... and http://haircaretips.tripod.co...
Source: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/he...
