Month: March 2007

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Wouldn’t Propecia Increase DHT from Increase in Testosterone? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

hi, i have a question about propecia that i cant seem to find in the archives- if propecia raises testosterone and DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, then wouldnt taking propecia in effect block DHT and also increase the chance that your body is producing more DHT from the increase in test.? also, you state that scalp itching is not a sign of mpb, yet i’ve read way too many instances of people with scalp itch and hair loss -do all these people have scalp problems that only seem to appear as soon as they start losing their hair?-thx for best hairloss blog on the net!!

Your question is confusing and I do not think you have the correct information. Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The body often increases testosterone as a result, which implies some internal feedback loop may exist. Increases of testosterone levels by 18% have been reported, but the data on long term testosterone levels is not available with people on Propecia.

With regard to itching of the scalp with hair loss, this could be explained as an indirect effect of reduced hair volume, more drying, and certainly more sun exposure.

If you look at the flow diagram, you will see where testosterone fits into the overall cycle and that DHT is formed with the help of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Graphic source: GentlePharmacy

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When Might an African American Mature Hairline Start? – Balding Blog

I understand you say that the hairline matures at ages 17-29 depending on the person (race,genetics,etc.). when would u say african americans usually start to recede? i’m african american 18 yr whos temples began to recede a little and there is no balding on my mother side and receded hairlines on my father side.

Everyone varies. African hairlines are often flatter than northern European hairlines, so there is less a genetic propensity for the African hairline to behave as the photos show on the Maturation of a Hairline — Moving From Juvenile to Mature post. Still, although there are no absolute statistics, I believe that the mature hairline takes on a different appearance in people with African heritage. Where I believe than 96% of Caucasian males get the hairline shown in the above link, that number is substantially less in men with an African heritage. The mature African hairline, if it does undergo the changes shown above, should fall into the same age group. These hairline pattern also applies to Indians from India, many people from the Middle East and a large segment of men from Asian populations in China, Japan and Korea.

Good question!


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Thinning Hair on My Legs After Propecia Use – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Doctor,

I have been on Propecia for close to 6 months now and am noticing some hair regrowth on the crown of my head. Over the same period of time, I have also noticed meaningful thinning of the hair on my legs, in particular in the shin area. I have read that reduction of DHT may lead to loss of body hair. While that is not a cause of major concern, I am worried that it may also lead to the thinning and loss of the eyebrows, as some propecia blogs have suggested. Are you aware of such a side effect and is there any medication to counter the loss of eyebrow hair? Thanks.

I have heard some reports (not actual medical studies, but patient reports) that loss of body (chest/leg) hair may be a side effect of Propecia. One patient reported that his chest hair disappeared and I was envious. However I have not heard about eyebrow hair loss with Propecia use. If it is, then it is rare. Even if there is some thinning of these hairs, in all likelihood it is a temporary problem. There are no medications to counter the loss of eyebrow hair.

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T Bomb 2 Supplement for Weight Lifting – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Dr Rassman,

I lift weights and read about a product called “T Bomb 2″. I believe it has a steroid like effect without the side effects, there used to be something called t bomb but its now illegal & thats why they created 2. My question is do you know if this product can cause hair loss? because the manufacturers actually say that it blocks or inhibits dht which i think means the opposite of causing hair loss. Thank you.

Here are the ingredients of this product:

  • Tribulus terrestris (standardiz
  • tongkat ali 20:1 extract (root) (Eurycoma longifolia Jack)
  • red clover extract (40% isoflavones)
  • Chrysin
  • Kudzu root (Pueraria lobota) (40% isoflavones)
  • DIM (diindolymethane)
  • Avena sativa 10:1 extract (aerial parts)
  • zinc (as zinc aspartate)
  • Pygeum africanum extract (25% total sterol) (bark)
  • Stinging nettle leaf 4:1 extract, anti BPH
  • Beta siterol
  • Saw palmetto berry extract

Most of these are herbal supplements with diverse characteristics. A few of them are testosterone enhancers, while others are herbal supplements traditionally used for treatment of prostate enlargement, which might work through blocking DHT. Unlike medications, herbal supplements could be sold without a real FDA approval assuming they are safe. There is no research on safety of its long term use.

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Melanin to Influence Hair Growth? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Dr. Rassman!

Is it at all possible for melanin to influence hair growth?

I ask because I have been self injecting Melanotan II for the past month, primarily to boost melanin levels for skin cancer protection and the more vain reason of developing a nice tan with limited UV exposure. Anyway, my frontal hairline seems to have filled out a little, unexpectedly. I keep my hair clipped right down (but not shaved), so I do notice subtle changes sooner than most. My facial hair has also gotten darker and coarser.

Now, the ’side effects’ of Melanotan II are listed as hyperpigmentation (random freckles), erections in males, and the darkening of hair and eye colors — so I did expect my hair to darken a bit, but I didn’t expect it to become rougher/coarser to the touch. Could it just be previously thinning hair regaining some pigment, or is it possible the melanin levels are helping the texture/diameter of the hair as well? I’ve had the same regimen (Proscar/Rogaine) for 26 months, and the Melanotan II is the only thing I have added recently.

Thoughts?

As people age, they lose melanin, the pigment that gives the hair color. I have no insights for you about the connection you are describing.

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I’m Also 49 Years Old and Had Great Regrowth from Propecia! – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dr. Rassman, I just read your recent article and pictures about a 49 year old male who has been on Propecia for 3 month. Interestingly, I too am 49 years old and has been on Propecia for about 5 months. And I too has observed a great regrowth all over, especially around the hairlines. The new hairline has been forming about 3/4 inches below the one established by the HT I received about 5 months ago. I just want to point out that there is more than one incident that propecia provides great growth (regrowth) even for older males.

Thanks for sharing. I am sure that your experience will have value to others.

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Chronic Sinusitis Causes Gray Hair Early? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I’m a 24 yr old male and my hair is going gray, the thing is I started getting them when I was really young, since elementary school.. I have read that chronic sinusitis can cause graying of the hair. How accurate is this? I do suffer from chronic sinusitis. I also recently went into get blood work done to see if I have any anemias or b-12 defiencies.

There is no connection between graying hair and your sinus problems that I know of.

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Break Out In Hives and Facial Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am 39 male and in the last 3 months I have started to lose hair on my chin. It seems to be getting larger. About 4 years ago I broke out in hives while standing in the sun and ever since, when I go out in direct sun light I break out in hives. Could there be a connection between the facial hair loss and the hives from direct sunlight.If so what could it be.

As the time gap is long between the events, I would doubt a connection. If you are losing facial hair, see a dermatologist to find out why.

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Can Genetics From Mother’s Side Blend with Father’s Side for New Class of Balding? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I am contemplating a HT. I am 46 and would class myself as either a 3v diffuse or a 3a diffuse, I’m not really sure. I had been to see a surgeon locally about 2.5 years ago and was going to visit him again shortly to re-evaluate my situation.

My question is this. When inheriting hair traits is it always from one side or the other? can their be a blend of sorts? for example, my father had very minor, if any hair loss at 74 years of age. Not sure about his father. My maternal Grandfather was a norwood 6 by age 45. My brother and I seem to have about the same amount of hair loss, he’s 2 years older, has a higher forhead due to receding more than I am. I have a widows peaks with receding temps and diffuse middle.

Is the fact that our father had no balding the only thing standing between us and a norwood 6? can genetics for balding blend from one side of the family and the other side creating a new class baldness.

Thanks

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Nobody really knows! Hair loss is genetic, but it does not follow a specific or predictable pattern. In fact there may be more than one gene that is responsible for hair loss and many patterns which are inherited and may be independent from one another. You can inherit your father’s crown balding, your mother’s father’s frontal balding and become a mix between the two. While looking at your father, mother, and grandparents may offer a clue, it is not an exact science as we would like to make it.