Women’s Hair Loss: From Stress to Placebo Treatment
In a recent article, the Kalamazoo Gazette reported the story of Sheree Kleinhuizen, who was experiencing significant hair loss and growing concerned over the amount of hair that she was losing on a daily basis.
Sheree collected the hair in plastic baggies and brought them to her doctor, but she was told that her hair loss was caused by stress and would cease in a few months’ time. When her hair loss did not abate, Sheree went to see a hair care professional, who sold her a “medicated” hair loss product called Therapro.
Although the lost hair did not grow back, Sheree did stop experiencing any further hair loss. However, it is unclear whether her use of Therapro truly affected Sheree’s hair loss in any way.
Spencer Kobren, founder of the American Hair Loss Association, doubts that Therapro is a valid treatment:
“There is nothing in those products that can stop hair loss or will regrow hair,” said Kobren, whose own hair-loss concerns led him to start the organization. “There is definitely a placebo effect, and it can be coincidental.”
Jennifer Williford, who works as a physician’s assistant at Southwest Michigan Dermatology, supports the notion that Therapro may have had a placebo effect for Sheree. Although Williford wasn’t familiar with Therapro, she explained that patients often mention products that supposedly stop or reverse hair loss. Many such products are based on herbal remedies.
There is a good chance that Sheree Kleinhuizen’s hair loss ceased due to a placebo effect of the product she was sold. It’s also possible that her hair loss was truly stress related and when her stress eased, so did her hair loss.
The only FDA-approved hair loss products for treating hereditary hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is an external treatment used by both men and women. Propecia, which is a pill, is only approved for use by men.
Spencer Kobren also noted that hair loss is a $3.5 billion industry and that “Ninety-nine percent of products and services that claim to help with hair loss (or) prevention are bogus, questionable at best.”
Read the full article
Surgical Hair Restoration: What to Look for in Treatment and Hair Transplant Surgeons
If you’re thinking about having surgical hair restoration, you’ll want to get to know your doctor and learn everything you can about the type of treatment you’ve chosen. The procedure is a serious one and if not performed properly it can have damaging effects both physically and psychologically.
Consultation with the Hair Transplant Surgeon
If the doctor who will be performing the procedure can’t or won’t speak with you before the transplantation, then look for someone else. One of the most important steps in any surgery is speaking with the same surgeon who will be doing the procedure beforehand. It will provide you with an opportunity to ask specific questions and also help your comfort level knowing that you’ve met the person who will perform the operation.
Questions about the Procedure
Before your consultation with the surgeon, make sure you prepare a list of questions. You may get nervous or overwhelmed once you’re in the doctor’s office, and having a written list on hand will be extremely helpful. Your doctor will also know that you take your health and the procedure seriously because you’re approaching it with a level of forethought that resembles professionalism.
Formulate Questions Through Careful Research
You’ll have plenty of questions about your surgery. Make sure you understand every aspect of the procedure. One of the most valuable resources in conducting research is The American Hair Loss Association, where you’ll find plenty of articles about hair loss and transplant surgeries. Visit The American Hair Loss Association at americanhairloss.org.
Another invaluable resource is The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons web site. The site features a blog at the IAHRS Information Center, which is packed with news, information, and other details about hair restoration surgery and hair loss.
A Few Final Tips
When you do meet with your doctor for a consultation prior to having your transplant procedure, ask for the following:
- Ask to see at least 10 before and after photos of other hair restoration surgeries the doctor has performed and make sure that the before and after shots are taken at the same angle, with the same lighting, and feature the same subject.
- Ask for references. The doctor should be able to provide you with several contacts, patients that the doctor has treated in the past.
- Ask if hair transplant surgery is an area in which the doctor specializes. Is that the focus of the doctor’s practice? If not, then what percentage of procedures involve hair loss and restoration?
Find out more about what you should look for in hair restoration surgery at the following link:
http://www.americanhairloss.org/surgical_hair_restoration/what_to_look_for.asp
Two Clinically Proven Treatments for Men’s Hair Loss
Hair loss has become an industry packed with snake oil miracle cures that promise to restore hair growth but fail to deliver results. Products that are not FDA approved or recommended by The American Hair Loss Association do not meet quality standards for hair loss treatments. To date, only two treatments are clinically proven: Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and Minoxidil.
With the advent of these two treatments, there is new hope for men who are facing hair loss. With early intervention, it’s possible for hair loss progression to be stopped. In order for treatment to be successful, it must begin as soon as possible.
Finasteride (brand names Proscar and Propecia)
Originally, finasteride was developed by the pharmaceutical company Merck and approved by the FDA to treat enlarged prostrate glands but during trials some men noticed a side effect of considerable hair growth. Merck decided to continue development of finasteride as a treatment for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and it was approved for that purpose by the FDA in 1997.
Lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels is currently the only medically effective way to stop hair loss. A daily 1 mg dose of Finasteride can lower DHT levels by as much as 60 percent and it was proven effective for stopping the progression of hair loss in 86% of the men who took it during clinical trials.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil has a similar story to finasteride. It was originally used to treat high blood pressure. Eventually it was discovered that one of its side effects was growth of hair in unexpected places like on the cheeks, the backs of hands, and even on foreheads.
Some researchers experimented with applying minoxidil topically in areas where hair growth was desired. There were varying degrees of success with this application, which depended on the extent of the hair loss. However, minoxidil was the first drug that the FDA approved specifically for treatment of male pattern baldness and to this day, The American Hair Loss Association still recommends it for individuals who haven’t had success with finasteride. However, because it doesn’t affect the hormonal process, the effects of minoxidil are temporary and it is not seen as a long term solution.
To learn more about hair loss treatment for men check out The American Hair Loss Association men’s hair loss treatment section.
Technorati Tags: American Hair Loss Association, hair loss, mens hair loss treatement, Minoxidil, propeciaI’m 25 And Losing My Hair, Looking For An Inexpensive Hair Loss Treatment
Hello, my name is J.Freeman. I am 25 years old and have been noticing hair loss for approximately a year. I do not have insurance and cannot afford Propecia treatments. I am also concerned about the side affect that come along with it. I was hoping to get information on a inexpensive hair growth regimen.
Dear J,
The truth is, if you are contending with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) your first line of attack should always be to take the hormonal route. Propecia is an extremely effective drug that stops or slows the progression of hair loss in the vast majority of men who use it. There is also a relatively large percetage of men who receive significant cosmetically appreciable regrowth. By not using this incredibly effective treatment, it is my opinion that you are doing yourself a great disservice. Just so you know, insurance does not cover Propecia, so even if you had good health coverage you would still be responsible for paying for it out of pocket.
With that said, in most parts of the country, Propecia will cost approximately $55 / month. If your hair loss concerns you to the point where you seeking treatment, it would be my suggestion to perhaps forgo a dinner out once a month so that you can afford this relatively inexpensive treatment.
If this is absolutely out of the question then you could aways give generic minoxidil a try. Generic minoxidil cost approximately $20 / month. Whatever you do, do not waste your hard earned money on any of the countless, questionable hair loss products you see being advertised on the internet, late night television infomercials, or on the radio.
As far as your concern for the side effects of Propecia, any reported side effects occurred in less than 2% of those patients taking the drug during clinical trials. If for some reason you were to experience any adverse side effects you could always stop taking the medication. It is also important to note that approximately 60% of those that did experience side effects only experienced them temporarily, and were able to continue taking the medication.
I wish there were more hair loss treatment options available, unfortunately the above mentioned are the only two FDA approved hair loss treatments. If you haven’t already consulted with a physician, it is imperative to receive a professional medical diagnosis before considering either of the two treatments I suggested.
Hope this helps.
Spencer Kobren
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Scientists discover new hair loss gene. Promising new baldness treatments may be on the horizon.
According to researchers in London, the discovery of a gene associated with a rare form of hair loss could lead to the development of new drugs to treat baldness. The identified gene causes a condition know as Hypertricosis simplex. It affects 1 in 200,000 people causing them to begin losing hair in childhood. The hair loss is thought to be triggered by a gene mutation that causes a defect in hair follicle growth receptors. ” There is a very good chance of developing a therapy to treat hair loss based on this finding, ” reported Regina Betz, the study’s leader and researcher at the Institute of Human Genetics.
The researchers gathered data by studying DNA samples from 11 members of a Saudi Arabian family afflicted with the condition. They believe that their findings will lead to the creation of effective treatments for many different types of hair loss. The findings were reported in the journal Nature Genetics.
Click here to read the article in its entirety. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23334554/
No TagsHairMax Laser Comb - Does The AHLA Endorse This Product?
I am thinking about getting the HairMax laser comb based on information I read online. Does the AHLA endorse the HairMax laser comb?
Thanks
Ivan
The makers of the HairMax Laser Comb have done a fantastic job of marketing their product.
The idea of a hand held devise that emits hair revitalizing laser beams is sexy to both the media as well as to desperate consumers in search of “cutting edge” treatments for hair loss.
The truth is the HairMax laser Comb still remains on the questionable product list here at The American Hair Loss Association.
So to Answer your question more directly, until valid clinical trials can substantiate the hair-raising claims of the HairMax Laser Comb’s manufacturers, The American Hair Loss Association can not endorse the use of The HairMax Laser Comb for the treatment of any form hair loss .
An interesting article was recently written by International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons accepted member Dr. Alan Feller discussing the validity of low level laser light therapy for the treatment of hair loss.
View article: Move Over Magnet Therapy, Here Comes Low Level Laser Light Therapy
You also might want to listen to a recent broadcast of AHLA’s founder Spencer Kobren’s weekly syndaicated radio show The Bald Truth, where Dr. Alan Bauman and Dr. Alan Feller discuss the efficacy of products like the HairMax Laser Comb in the battle against hair loss.
Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair loss treatment, HairMax Laser CombListen to show :Laser Hair Loss Therapy -Does it work?
The 12 Month Promise of Propecia
Merck and Company Inc., makers of The True “Miracle Breakthrough” Drug For Male Pattern Hair Loss is Now Offering a Money Back Guarantee.
The hair loss industry is a treacherous place . The vast majority of products being sold that claim to prevent or treat hair loss do not work. Besides the fact that these products are garbage in our collective opinion, they all have something else in common, a money back guarantee.
Hair loss consumers are drawn into these guarantees and are willing to try a product that claims to be “risk free.” Unfortunately, the ill-informed and vulnerable hair loss sufferers who purchase these questionable products only rob themselves of precious time in the battle to treat their hair loss. The key to the effective treatment of hair loss is early intervention with products proven to work.
Propecia is one product that actually works and it works well for most men who use it, so why not offer the consumer a legitimate money back guarantee? Yes this is a bit unorthodox for a pharmaceutical company, but the hair loss industry has been built on phony before and after pictures, fake testimonials, and questionable money back guarantees, so competing with the bad guys on their own terms by offering the hair loss consumer the opportunity to try an FDA approved medication for a year risk free seems like a pretty good idea to us.
We here at the American Hair Loss Association applaud this effort and hope this new program opens the eyes of those that need it most…men suffering with the early stages of male pattern hair loss.
Remember, there are only two products approved by the FDA and recommended by The American Hair Loss Association. Anything else being advertised to treat hair loss is questionable at best. Be careful!
Propecia is recommended by the AHLA and The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, the worlds foremost consumer hair transplant organization, as the first line of attack in the prevention and treatment of male pattern hair loss.
See program basics from Merck’s website
The promise is simple. Use PROPECIA for 12 months. If you don’t at least maintain the hair you had when you began treatment, we’ll give you a full refund of your purchase price, less any rebates you received.
Program basics:
This program is for new male patients aged 18 or older with male pattern hair loss who continue to use PROPECIA for 12 months.
If you take PROPECIA for 12 months and you do not maintain your hair on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp (middle front of head), you will be eligible for a full refund of your purchase price, less any rebates you received.
Refunds will be given only if you complete 12 months of therapy (defined as the purchase of 360 tablets of PROPECIA) within a 12-month period.
Your doctor’s signature is required to verify your results and qualify you for your refund.
Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair loss treatment, merck, propeciaPhony Blogs Promote Questionable Hair Loss Products
We all know just how treacherous the internet can be when researching hair loss products and services. Unsuspecting hair loss sufferers have enough trouble trying to navigate through the incredible maze of misinformation presented by hair loss marketers who promote their bogus products and services as “miracle breakthroughs.” Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, in walks “Balding Tony.” We’re not sure if this guy actually exists, but we can tell you that in our opinion his blog is nothing more than an pathetic attempt to mislead the hair loss consumer into thinking that the questionable product Provillus is some sort of miracle hair growth product.
In his blog “Balding Tony” writes that he has tried just about every hair loss product available including the ONLY two FDA approved products Minoxidil and Propecia. Tony complains about Propecia’s sexual side effects, which actually occur in less than 2% of those who used the drug during clinical trials. He also claimed that Minoxidi was too difficult and messy to use…it just didn’t fit into his lifestyle he writes. We found that funny since the only clinically proven ingredient in Provillus is minoxidil and in order for the Provillus product to work it has to be applied to the scalp exactly like all minoxidil based products.
Balding Tony might be fooling some of the more vulnerable, unsuspecting hair loss consumers online, but he’s certainly not fooling us. Provillus is nothing more than an overpriced dietary supplement along with repackaged generic minoxidil and azelaic acid.
Remember this rule of thumb, no matter what “Balding Tony” says, there are only two products proven to stop the progression of hair loss and to regrow hair, minoxidil and propecia. If an advertised product is not approved by the FDA or does not carry the AHLA certification seal, do not waist your time or money on it…sorry Tony.
Technorati Tags: balding tony, hair loss scams, hair loss treatment, ProvillusIs Provillus Just Another Hair Loss Scam?
Question: Hi,I am beginning to experience male pattern baldness. I have found on the internet a hair loss product called provillus. Do you know anything about this product as to whether it’s successful/safe, etc. It claims to be FDA approved and has ingredients found in both Rogaine and Propecia as well as some vitamins. I don’t want to take a risky medication for health reasons/further hair loss, so I was hoping you guys at american hair loss association might have some information on this product.Thanks,
Travis
Answer:
Dear Travis,
The sad truth is that that the hair loss industry is a 3.5 billion dollar a year business, yet 99% off all products and services being sold to hair loss sufferers are either a complete scam or questionable at best.
It’s important to understand that there have only been two FDA approved medical treatments for hair loss. They are Minoxidil and Propecia (Finasteride).
There is no other product on the market that has been approved by the FDA to treat hair loss!
Provillus claims to be a proprietary blend of herbal, mineral, and vitamin components which include:
Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Siberian Ginseng, Vitamin B-6, Pumpkin Seed Meal, and Mura Puma Root. These are all considered to be nutritional supplements none of which are approved by the Food & Drug Administration for any medical purpose let alone the prevention and treatment of hair loss. Read more
Another Satisfied Hair Club Client
I’d like to share my experience with The Hair Club so that no one else has to go through what I have.
At the age of 24, my girlfriend at the time told me that she needed to talk to me about something important. She asked me to sit down and she proceeded to tell me that she thinks that I’m going bald and asked me what I planned on doing about it. Nice huh? Well, to make a long brutal story short, and after I kicked that @i #!* to the curb I did what most men probably do who are concerned with their hair loss, I went the The Hair Club.
I mean these are the guys that I grew up seeing on TV everyday. It seemed like the thing to do if you had a problem with hair loss and was interested in hair replacement. After my consultation I was so excited to get my hair back and my life back. The lady I had the consultation with told me that it’s a completely natural process and that my new hair would be even better and more manageable then the hair that I lost. WOW! Read more
Technorati Tags: hair club, hair loss, hair replacement, wig