May 2012 – Page 8 – Balding Blog

May 1, 2012

Propecia is Working, But Things I’ve Read Have Me Worried – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Dr. Rassman,

I am a patient of your who last saw you a few years ago regarding hair loss prevention. We decided the best course of action for me is to take Propecia and use Rogaine. I have since been taking Propecia and using Rogaine daily and so far, am pleased with the results and think that my hair loss isn’t progressing. I wanted to get your opinion because I have recently read articles which discussed sexual dysfunction as a result from taking Propecia. Even more recently, the FDA issued a warning with regard to this issue. Do you know anything about this and can you provide any insight? Also, would you recommend continuing usage? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Block Quote

You should be aware of these alerts, which is why we post about them here; however, the risks are very low and sexual side effects are rare (2%). If you have not had them, it should not be a problem… and if you are young and considering having children, you should see your doctor and get a sperm count to be sure that this problem is not impacting you.

As I’ve said before, one of my sons is taking Propecia, and it is working very well. I have not advised him to stop it when he recently asked me about it.

May 1, 2012

Ultherapy? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

What does Ultherapy do to hair follicles?

I am very curious what effect the FDA approved Ultherapy has on the follicles at the frontal hair line. Ultherapy is said to stimulate collagen in the deep layers of the skin.

Can this procedure possibly hurt follicles, invigorate them or just not affect them at all?

i would very much appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks!

Block Quote

I hadn’t heard of Ultherapy before, but it appears to be a skin tightening / lifting procedure. After reading that the FDA approved the technology, that must mean that it is safe and effective, but I am not sure what that means from a practical point of view. It appears that the focus is on collagen changes and stimulation, but again I am not sure what that means either. They do not say it helps grow hair, just that it heats up the deeper level of the skin where the collagen is.

May 1, 2012

Green Tea and DHT – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

My question regards green tea. We all know – or should know by now – that green tea is packed with great nutrients and health benefits, but how about hair loss. It’s hard to find a proper answer. Some sources say it reduces DHT, some say it increases it. What’s your view? Many, many thanks, it’d be great to enjoy my cup of green tea again without worrying.

Block Quote

We’ve answered a similar question before — here.

In my opinion, green tea doesn’t cause or prevent hair loss. I am sure if you do enough research on the web you will find conflicting reports on almost anything. You can continue enjoying your cup of green tea.

May 1, 2012

Would Birth Control Pills Effect Baldness in Men? – Balding Blog

This is a purely hypothetical question. Would a man taking female birth control pills have any effect on male pattern baldness? What would be the effects on DHT, Testosterone, and hair health. Thanks!

The following post is by UK-based physician Dr. Bessam Farjo:

Written by:

Dr Bessam Farjo
United Kingdom

Female birth control or contraceptive pills are most often a combination of synthetic forms of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. With regards to effect on men’s hair you may get a decrease in facial and body hair in terms of thickness and growth, although male-pattern baldness may improve somewhat or at least stabilises in a similar vein to finasteride for example. We see this effect most commonly in our practice when dealing with male to female transgender patients who use similar hormones to achieve their transformation.

However, these medications may cause a number of adverse effects in men similar to those seen with the use of other female hormones. You may experience changes in the appearance and function sex organs. Risks may include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and lowered sperm count. Some men may also develop gynecomastia (man boobs). There may be a negative effect of general body muscle mass. In addition, the bones may develop osteoporosis (brittleness). There are other potential general health side effects of course making this an unreasonable approach to control male pattern baldness.

–

Learn more about the author of this article, Dr. Bessam Farjo, on his BaldingBlog profile or at his website.