Month: November 2008

I came across this web site that says soy and saw palmetto can interact with finasteride. I am wondering if they can potentially exacerbate side effects, as I experienced side effects b/c of Propecia and I was on both of those (and still am on soy).

Also, I’ve heard quercetin, which is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, green tea, red onions, red grapes, etc. utilizes the same enzyme that metabolizes Propecia, thereby increasing serum levels of the drug and leading to potentially more side effects. I also started green tea when I started Propecia. What do you make of this?

Much of what you are talking about reflects unsubstantiated claims. There have been mentions about soy isoflavones interfering with some medications, but I don’t believe that the connections you referenced are one to one with regard to the side effects. The mechanism of action of saw palmetto is not clearly defined but there is probably an impact on reducing some of the effects of DHT according to at least one reference I read. You can experiment on your own by stopping the soy and seeing if there is any difference (I am assuming that you are experiencing side effects).

Your logic may be flawed with regard to quercetin competing with 5AR. The human body knows how to regulate the byproducts of metabolism and can increase the amount of 5AR if it’s feedback suggested a shortage of it. I am afraid that you are oversimplifying the biochemistry here.

(female) I am very interested to read about a woman on here who had been diagnosed with diffuse alopecia from taking the yasmin birth control pill-I am experiencing the same sort of situation having lost 30/40% of the bulk of my hair during the two yrs I was acutally on yasmin, now, nearly 6 months after quitting the pill I have lost around 65% of the bulk of my hair, the hair loss worsening since stopping.

I would be so grateful if you could clarify-what is the difference between diffuse alopecia and TE? It has been nearly 6 months since the hair on the top of my head has fallen, leaving my scalp very visible under any sort of light-is there frequently this sort of delay in hair regrowth if the problem is TE? I notice in the reply that you comment if all other things have been tested and considered (for me, they have) then you ‘may’ see regrowth within 2-6 months…

Thanks in advance for your response.

Diffuse alopecia means a “uniform hair loss”. The term does not point to a cause. Telogen effluvium refers to a temporary loss of hair that is uniformly lost as it goes into the telogen phase of its hair cycle. Please read the below references, as they discuss the various causes for TE:

• Wikipedia
• eMedicine
• DermNet

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Do the following have POSITIVE impacts on hair health?

1. head massage – No.
2. other techniques for increased blood flow to head – Nope.
3. healthy diet, if so what foods are important to eat and which to avoid? – You should have a balanced diet.
4. use of dandruff shampoos – No, sir.
5. use of any particular shampoo or conditioner – No impact.
6. vigorous exercise – No.
7. any activity that promotes increased cardiovascular health – Nope.
8. use of dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) – No impact in moderation.

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Do the following NEGATIVELY impact hair growth?

1. alcohol use – In excess, yes.
2. marijuana use – Possibly.
3. tobacco use – Possibly.
4. high salt diet – I would doubt it.
5. diet high in preservatives – I don’t know.
6. high fat diets, red meat – I doubt it, but there are unsubstantiated claims that blame red meat.
7. use of dietary supplements like multivitamins – No.
8. over intake of certain vitamins – Yes.

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