Author: Dr. William Rassman

There seems to be an impact when obese men have children. The same may apply to women as well, but the study that is referenced here (December 3, 2015 The Scientist by Karen Zusi) states “Obese men have information that can be transferred to children that could potentially affect their eating behavior. And this information can be changed if obese men lose weight,” said Barrès. “Our study doesn’t show what is transmitted to children, but it is likely that something is transmitted and it will change brain development and behavior.”

The study is a “provocative start to asking some really interesting questions,” said Tracy Bale, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania who studies stress-related epigenetics in mice. “The big picture here is fascinating. It does support the very important potential role of the environment to influence epigenetic marks in dads’ germ cells.”

The concept of a nocebo (a psychogenic effect of a drug) has been discussed in the various studies which focus on the sexual side effects of the drug Propecia (finasteride). The significant ‘hype’ on the internet, has driven many people to the conclusions that if they take this drug, they will become impotent. As doctors, we must discuss potential and known side effects of any drug we prescribe, but what happens following the disclosures, the patients read the internet and find many, many panicky young men who report sexual impotence from taking the drug. Is it real? We don’t know but what we do know is that many studies from other countries have not shown the high sexual side effects reported in the United States. So is this a Nocebo effect resulting from panicky people who read bulletin boards and web sites which focus on this issue.

Dr. Robert Haber, a very respected hair transplant surgeon from Ohio, started to test the concept of a nocebo effect and the general side effects on sex drive and sexual performance using patients who came into his office. This is an early report of his initial findings.

Hi,
I am curious. I have been taking Finasteride (1mg) for about six months now. I am a female of 46 years old.
I see that most of the comments are from men and that is why I am wondering if women can experience similar symptoms. I have already suffered from anxiety and panic attacks in the distant past but since six months they have come back and are much worse than ever before. I feel anxious all the time, I am not sleeping and I have panic attacks daily. I am wondering if it is the meds doing that? Could another woman tell me if this could be a possible reason for my extreme symptoms please. It is the only thing I can think of at this time. I am very upset and feel just awful every day. Those attacks are limiting my life and making feel so depressed. I had them under control before but cannot control them today! I am almost hoping it could be the Finasteride I am taking because I have read all the comments on this forum and many people have experienced the same as me. I appreciate any guidance. Thank you.
Marianne

First and foremost you need to go back to your doctor and discuss these issues.

Finasteride is NOT to be taken by women.

Hi Doc, I read on a website that a doctor is offering FUE surgery at $0.50 that is 50 cents a graft in Pakistan. What do you think?

Your guess is as good as mine. I really can’t validate this claim.

There was a sarcastic remark made about the Taliban and how it may relate to prices. Apparently it offended a few readers. We apologize for the insensitivity to those who were sensitive to the comments.

Had, what I feel was very successful strip surgery graft to frontal area at beginning of year. Full natural hairline . In light of this, pursued transplant to crown at different center (for geographical/practical reasons) Was disappointed that rather than 1,500 or so grafts promised only 900 were done. Reason given was lack of scalp laxity. Multi unit hair grafts were used for a total of 4,500 hairs. Crown area is question was about 14 sq in (35 sq cm) My hair is somewhat coarse, not particularly fine. I’m not fair skinned. Was interested in your opinion as to what your best guess would be in terms of final density.

I am not here to “guess”. You have specific numbers and it is merely about doing the math.

It is worrisome how 900 grafts will total 4500 hairs. This equals 5 hairs per graft. This is highly suspicious since most people have an average of 2 hairs per graft.

Your 900 grafts in a 35 sq cm equals 26 grafts per sq cm. If you really have 4500 hairs in a 35 sq cm that would be 129 hairs per sq cm.

An average non balding scalp may have 100 grafts (200 hairs) per sq cm.

If you had a successful surgery with one doctor and had a disappointing experience with the second doctor, maybe you should follow up with the first doctor.

Recently, I’ve been worrying about my hair as I’m seeing more hairs fall out in the shower. The issue is that at least have these hairs are short (1 inch or less), thin and tapered at the end, not the root. My hair on my head in general does not look or feel any thinner but the amount of these types of hairs falling out is concerning me. Are these types of hairs an early symptom of balding? Thanks.

Male pattern balding (MPB) is a genetic trait. The hair loss is apparent from a certain “pattern” that develops. The morphology of hair may be an sign of hair loss as miniaturized hair is smaller in its diameter. However ALL of us (even those who are not balding) have miniaturized hair. It is part of the cycle of hair.

I am an African American woman and have braided hair…is it safe to use Rogaine on my scalp???

If you are losing hair, it would be advisable to find the cause for the hair loss before seeking treatment. Rogaine is a medication to grow hair. It does not matter if you are African American, a woman, or have braided hair. If you are concerned about hair loss, treatment options, or side effects associated with medications, please see a doctor.