Drugs – Page 340 – Balding Blog

February 8, 2006

Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Dear Dr. Rassman,
I am male, from Nebraska US. I’m suffering hair loss for about 4 years, as far I can see I think I lost hair on every region of my head… but basically I can see baldness on the front the most. I didn’t consult a dermatologist yet because I’ve been told that there is not alot that I can do to get my hair back. My questions are: Do you think is worth it to go to a dermatologist (I have a dandruff case also)? Since I have frontal hair loss, will a minoxidil treatment work for me?

Thank you

Block Quote

It is worthwhile to visit a dermatologist for your hair loss. He/she can decide which type of hair loss you have and possibly the cause for it. There are many reasons for hair loss besides just male pattern baldness. Minoxidil and Propecia will mostly likely help slow down your loss, if not stop it completely and in men, Propecia for stopping hair loss in the frontal areas is more effective than minoxidil.

February 8, 2006

Thyroid Medication and Female Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 29 year old woman. 5 years ago a number of symptoms creeped up on me (this started 1 year after i stopped ortho-tri cyclen). The symptoms got progressively worse over the years. They included: hair loss, decreased metabolism (irregular bowel movement inspite of high fibre diet), cold intolerance, fuzzy headedness (lack of concentration), depression, dry skin, increasingly recurrent mild yeast infection.

My TSH was normal, so thyroid probs was ruled out. 2 months ago, i went to another doctor who listened to my symptoms and put me on synthroid. He thought i may be suffering from sub-clinical hypothyroidism. All my symptoms (except hair loss) have since compeletely clerared up … (i feel like i was given a new lease on life …and feel normal for the 1st time in years).

I am hopeful that the medication will resolve the hairloss as well, however i am worried since i have a lot of Hair miniaturization all over my head including back , side and top but most pronounced on top of my head and temples and sides. Do you think that thyroid problems could also cause miniaturization and i should wait and see if the problem gets helped. Or should i be starting another regimen…

Also , where can i get the desitometer measuring the progress or worsening of hair miniaturization, to figure out if my hair is improving with thyroid meds or not…

Thanks in advance !!

Female hair loss precipitated by birth control pills and thyroid disease in women programmed for genetic hair loss may not reverse. Only time will tell you.

The best place to get your own densitometer is at Radio Shack or a local small electronics shop. Look for something they call a hand microscope which should sell for around $15. Someone other than you will have to do the measurements at the same place each and every time you are examined and plot it out over time, possibly monthly.

February 8, 2006

Using Rogaine with ProCede – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I’m currently using Rogaine. Is it safe to apply an application of Procede (supposed to be once every 90 days, applied to the scalp and then rinsed off)?

As I’ve said before, I do not know much about ProCede. Read the material in their package carefully. I would personally doubt that the two are incompatible, but if you get any side effects, any at all, then stop what you are doing and abandon whatever you changed. A patient called me yesterday and told me about an infomercial he had just seen on Procede. When the claims are too good to be true, they usually are.

February 6, 2006

Propecia, Paxil, and Erection Problems – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am 27 years old and have been on Propecia for about 3 weeks (I am thinning at the top and crown, and just a bit of scalp is showing, but the balding process has started). I have also been taking Paxil for almost 3 years. Recently, I found that my erections have become harder to my maintain and are not nearly as hard or big as they used to be. This concerns me greatly.

If the side-effects are from Propecia, will they ever go away of I stay on Propecia?

Would a switch to Proscar make a difference?

I am weaning myself off Paxil, could this help?

How can I have both hair and erections?

Am I best to get off of Propecia and start to think about transplant procedures?

Thank you!

The effect of Propecia on sexual dysfunction may be temporary, but if they continue for more than a couple of months, then it may prevail. This would only be assuming that the Propecia is the cause of your sexual problem. You can stop Propecia for a month and see if it makes a difference, or you may want to cut the dosage of Propecia down to half a pill per day as an alternative to stopping it. Proscar (packaged in 5mg) and Propecia (packaged in 1mg) are the same medication, finasteride.

Paxil can cause sexual dysfunction which will probably subside, assuming that you can wean Paxil with the endorsement of your doctor. Your hair issue and your sexual dysfunction issue may need separate doctors. These issues are too important to try to solve by yourself.

February 6, 2006

Ava Renewale, Tribulus Terrestri, and Hair Loss – Balding Blog

22/male. I’ve currently (last six months) been prescribed to Ava Renewale tablets, and been following normal dosage. Is this a good choice? I am currently taking Tribulus terrestri, 12500m. I’m sure you heard of this natural herb. Can it induce baldness due to the higher levels of testosterone experienced while taking it? Can it reverse the affect of the Renewale medication?

Thank you.

Ava Renewale is a Chinese medication that seems to do everything and anything and is proposed as a cure for many conditions. I can not certify the FDA’s position on such herbal medications, but many professionals like me tend to believe that there are some dangerous herbal medications out there. I have no first hand knowledge of this one, however. With regard to Tribulus Terrestri, I also do not have personal experience with this, but based upon what I read, this has anabolic effects on muscle mass (sounds suspiciously steroid like). Anything that increases testosterone has the ability to increase genetic hair loss in those predisposed to balding. From your question, you are trying to titer two substances that may counter-act each other. I would not recommend this.

February 3, 2006

Hair Loss InformationWill Propecia Thicken the Hairline? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I’m 25 years of age with miniaturization all around the hairline (about 2-3 cm deep) especially in the area above the temples. I would estimate in this area I’ve lost about 50 – 60% of density in the last 3 years. I also have some vertex thinning but it’s in an early stage so it isn’t obvious but it is definitely thinner. I’ve been on propecia for 7 months now. My question is if propecia is effective for me is it likely that the already thinned area in the front will continue to thin while the areas behind remain strong as they haven’t yet been impacted my MPB? Is there a possibility I could have a solid, healthy hairline just receded more after the thin areas are gone? Or do you think my hairline will continue to be thinner the mid scalp?

Block Quote

Please send photos so I can see you; make sure the photos show with your eyebrows lifted high as you frown. Get good frontal and side pictures and send them to the address on the Contact page.

Propecia can slow hair loss, but usually will not reverse frontal hairline loss. It probably will fill in the crown, but by now you should have seen a gain as you have been on the drug for 7 months. What I am particularly concerned about is the difference between a mature male hairline and balding, so the photos will help me make that distinction. This is critical, because you do not want to undo a mature male hairline with hair transplants if that is all that is happening in the front.

February 3, 2006

Hair Loss Information » Inflamil and Hair Loss – Balding Blog

Ive read articles indicating that inflammation of the scalp is a contributor to hair loss. What are the effects of scalp inflammation? If inflammation affects hair loss can anti-flammatories such as Inflamil help?

Yes, certain types of an scalp inflammatory conditions can cause hair loss but it is not a diagnosis, but a symptom as I believe that you are using it. They may include auto immune diseases, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis (with a great deal of scratching) and infection in combination or alone. Inflamil, according to info I found on the web, has the following ingredients: 10% Feverfew, 10% Thuja Occidentalils, 10% Epibolium, 5% Green Tea Extract (see green tea catechins) and 1% Mentholum verum. It may work but you would be treating something blindly with a series of ingredients that does not have documented safety and effectiveness clearly defined. In other words, you will not know what it is that you are treating nor what effect these ingredients are having. I would doubt that auto-immune disease will not be impacted by these ingredients nor will some of the other problems that cause scalp inflammation. Again, the diagnosis of an inflamed scalp is only a symptom of something that may be going on. You need a diagnosis.

February 2, 2006

Scalp Scars Tingle When Smoking Pot – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I have sustained about 4 scars to the back of the head. One scar is about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. I have been very emotionaly and physically impacted by this. But my question is about a tingling sensation I have right above my most profound scar. It is very irritating, and becomes quite bothersome when I smoke pot. And at times I fell like I’m losing hair. Could i be losing hair and is it a result of my injuries or smoking? Why does it feel like that when I smoke, I’ve never had a problem with this until the accident.

Some people have increased sensitivity after being injured, which can irritate certain nerves. As I’m sure you’re aware, Marijuana will alter a person’s state of mind and may enhance certain sensations while decreasing others. People experience different sensations in the scarred areas when a nerve is severed or injured. As to whether pot is causing you to lose your hair, please see: Marijuana and Hair Loss

February 1, 2006

Hair Loss from Finasteride – Should I Have Blood Work Done? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Dr. Rassman,

Thank you for your reponse to my inquiry regarding significant hair loss after discontinuing Propoecia. I do believe that Finasteride has altered my hormonal balance and caused a dramatic acceleration of hair loss.

I am going to get some blood work done, what should I test for?

I am also seriously considering coming to see you in Los Angeles. How long would it take for me to get an appointment?

I appreciate your kind understanding of the desperation I feel.

Thank you for keeping my name confidential on the website.

Block Quote

Before coming to Los Angeles, see your doctor to rule out the various medical conditions that cause hair loss, including thyroid disease. He should know the differential diagnosis. I cannot comment on the acceleration of the hair loss with Propecia as that has not been my experience, so a medical work up is critical before you make the long journey to California.

January 31, 2006

Non-Surgical Treatments for Postmenopausal Women? – Balding Blog

I am a 55 year old woman within my 3rd year of full menopause. My hair is thinning noticeably at the crown and in the front, not so much in the back. I am concerned that I have inherited my mother and maternal grandmother’s hair loss; they had very thick hair until they reached my age and from there on it was a systematic hair loss. My father on the other hand had all his hair until he died at the age of 60.

My question is what can I do to stop the hair loss, and is there any treatment for recovering hair loss? Is there any promising treatment for women that does not involve surgery?
Thank you

The only medication that is proven to work for women is Minoxidil. It only works in some women. Many substances are sold with promises that just aren’t true. Hold onto your money and be careful not to get caught up in any scam.

I would see a doctor to be sure that you do not have other causes of hair loss and have your hair mapped out for miniaturization to be sure of the diagnosis. Female genetic hair loss has a unique pattern shown under high power visualization.

Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):