Q: How Does Laser Light Hair Therapy Work?
A: Although the exact mechanism by which lasers promote hair growth is still unknown, low level laser photons stimulate the entire scalp increasing energy production and micro-circulation of blood supplies to the hair follicles, partially reversing the miniaturization process leading to thicker hair shafts and a fuller look. Pure red, “soft” laser light stimulates the scalp, significantly increasing the number of red corpuscles that deliver life giving oxygen and nutrients to the hair bulb. Hair follicles, which are "dormant" but not dead, can often be rehabilitated as debris is flushed from the hair shaft, swelling the cortex and closing the cuticle. Established hair becomes thicker, looks and feels softer and is easier to manage.
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Q: What is Photobiotherapy?
A: Photobiotherapy occurs when laser light, absorbed by cells, stimulates improved blood flow, cell metabolism and repair. Laser light, which is focused and travels in a parallel path, penetrates deep into the tissues of the scalp, stimulating micro-circulation of blood supply, cell metabolism and protein synthesizes. Although the exact reason is not known or proven, clinical studies suggest that this cellular and sub-cellular activity breaks down the collection of DHT, responsible for hair loss and sweeps it through the lymphatic system.
LLLT is a photobioactivating hair loss treatment; a form of physical medicine. This means using a specific light source of a particular wavelength, strength and dosage to help activate the body's natural anti-inflammatory, repair and regenerative mechanisms. LLLT is a therapeutic rather than surgical application of a laser. 'Photodestruction' is what occurs in laser surgery; photobioactivation results in laser therapy.
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Q: Have Laser Light Hair Therapy Benefits Been Scientifically Measured?
A: Yes! A: Yes! Long-term international, U.S., and recent clinical trials with the Laser suggest many benefits from laser hair treatments. The Canadian Government certified a laser to strengthen hair, prevent hair loss and stimulate re-growth of hair in men and women. Clinical studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology, research performed at the Harvard Medical School, and a recent study employing a similar laser device confirm that low-level laser light can stimulate hair growth, improve hair tensile strength and effectively manage hair loss. (View the Harvard Study at:www.hairbegin.com.)
A European study evaluated the effect of laser light therapy:
· All patients except one showed a complete cessation of hair loss.
· All patients except three showed a clear regrowth of hair with a reduction of at least one category in the Hamilton Classification Scale.
· Out of 18, 14 showed an increase in hair thickness and all 18 showed improvement in general hair shaft qualify.
A recent double-blind study, reviewed and approved by FDA scientist and clinical investigators, revealed that when the scalp is irradiated with “soft” laser light for 15-20 minutes, two to three times a week, significant re-growth of new hairs can be achieved in both men and woman suffering from androgenetic alpopecia.
· 93% (ages 30-60) increased the number of terminal (thick) hairs.
· Terminal hairs increased by 19 hairs/cm² (average) over 6 months.
· No reports of serious adverse events.
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Q: Is Laser Light Hair Therapy Safe?
A: Yes! The laser devices used in the Anagen Therapy program are non-surgical, therapeutic lasers approved safe for cosmetic purposes and fully comply with FDA standards for laser safety. The energy produced by the laser diodes does not have the thermal component necessary to cause thermal injuries to users or operators. World-wide governmental agencies classify this type of laser as a Certified Class 3a cosmetic laser device. It considers non-invasive lasers of this kind to be “NSR lasers,” (No Significant Risk). This means that government studies have determined that this type of laser treatment is extremely safe and is unlikely to be associated with any significant side effects. There has never been an incident where an individual was harmed in anyway as result of laser hair therapy treatments.
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Q: Is Laser "Radiation"?
A: The term LASER is the abbreviation for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser light devices are sometimes referred to as laser emitting, laser producing, or laser radiating. For Class 3A lasers and below in particular, these descriptions are both confusing and misleading. There is NO radiation in the sense we normally refer to as radiation. Sunlight is a form of radiation; Lasers emit light high in energy, nothing else and no radioactivity or dangerous energy is produced. Laser Hair Care LLLT does not in itself directly influence the heating of skin tissue; the laser light used is a 'cold light'. Energy produced by the photons does not have a thermal component that could cause injury to the operator or the person undertaking hair loss treatment.
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Q: Are there any side effects?
A: There are no short or long-term adverse side effects associated with LLLT. Our equipment is FDA approved for cosmetic use.
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Q: Is LLLT painful?
A: No. There is NO pain associated with any aspect of our program.
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Q: What does the actually treatment involve?
A: If you can sit in a chair for 20-30 minutes, you can do it! Clients simply sit under the hood for 20 minutes and may comfortably read, watch tv or listen to music. The treatment protocol is typically 2x/week for 6 weeks, 1x/wk for 10 weeks, 2x/month for 2 months, and 1x/month for 6 months.
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Q: When can I expect to start seeing results from the LLLT?
A: Clients will have varied experiences, but generally 45% will see benefits within the first 6 weeks, another 45% will see benefits from weeks 6 to 12, and 5% will see subtle improvements after 12 weeks.
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Q: Is it too soon to start using undergoing laser hair treatments if my hair is just starting to thin?
A: No, it’s never too soon to start. The laser is most effective when used on hair in good condition. The AlphaLase LX40 was designed to make your hair appear healthier fuller and thicker, as opposed to aiding in the progression of problem hair.
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Q. What is "hair"?
A. What we refer to as a "hair" is actually comprised of two separate elements: the hair follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle resides just below the scalp and produces the hair strand that you see growing out of your head. The follicle is composed of living cells. The hair strand that you see on your head is actually dead. Really. It's literally a "strand" of dead cells that do not "grow" or regenerate in anyway.
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Q: What are the average number of hairs on a human head?
A: Normal human hairs can be classified according to their phases of growth. Anagen is the growing stage of hair, while telogen is the sleeping stage of hair. About 80% of the hairs on the scalp are growing and about 20% are sleeping. The scalp normally contains about 100,000 hairs. Therefore, the average number of hairs that can be lost in a day is about 100.
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Q. I am seeing a lot of hair in my brush. How much hair should I be losing normally?
A. Hair loss is a natural daily occurrence for EVERYONE. Your genetic pattern will determine how much hair you lose. In general, most people lose about 50 to 150 hairs PER DAY due to breakage of the strand from the follicle. Most of these grow back from the remaining follicle.
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Q. What is the life cycle of a hair? How does it grow?
A. The actual hair "grows" from the follicle beneath your scalp to extend outside your body. Typically this hair grows about a half inch per month and the individual follicle will live for about four to seven years. After that it goes into a "resting phase" or becomes dormant and then eventually falls out. About 21 days to three months later, a new follicle will replace it. In general, over 80% of you hair is growing and the rest is dormant and preparing to fall out.
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Q. What causes hair loss?
A. The medical term for the most common hair loss condition is "androgenetic alopecia". This uncontrollable genetic factor accounts for about 95-98% of all thinning hair cases. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by genetic traits passed down from your family. You may have also heard of it as "baldness, male pattern baldness, and female pattern baldness". There is currently no known "cure" for this condition as it is a genetic trait passed down from previous generations. There are other causes of hair loss such as conditions created by medications, thyroid problems, stress, and other medical ailments, but these are a small minority.
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Q. What triggers this "androgenetic alopecia?"
A. Heredity, aging and hormones combine to determine how sensitive hair follicles are to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes follicles to "shrink". Aging is literally your cells becoming "tired" and this can cause hair follicles to weaken. Weak follicles means weakened hair shafts which means less hair. Your follicles are genetically coded to begin shrinking when you reach adulthood. We all lose hair. The age you start losing your hair, how extensively, and the rate of hair loss varies from individual to individual.
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Q. Will my hair always continue to "shrink?"
A. Yes. As the strands sprouting from your constantly shrinking follicles become finer and thinner, they will fail to grow to their previous length. This creates "thinning hair" which will progress to "baldness" which is when the follicles fail to produce strands completely.
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Q: Is stress a factor in hair loss?
A: Yes, extreme emotional or physical stress can trigger two types of hair loss.
Telogen effluvium. The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:
Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.
Emotional stress: mental illness, relationship stress, death of a family member.
Thyroid abnormalities.
Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, blood pressure and gout medications.
Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.
Hair loss may result from stress upsetting the hormone balance in your body. There may be an excess production of hormones which may then go into the scalp area.
The above causes can trigger a large numbers of hairs to stop their growing phase and enter telogen (resting phase) at one time. All hair has a growth phase, termed anagen, and a resting phase, telogen. On the scalp, anagen lasts approximately 3 years, while telogen lasts roughly 3 months, although there can be wide variation in these times between individuals. During telogen, the resting hair remains in the follicle until it is pushed out by growth of a new anagen hair. In most people, 5-15% of the hair on the scalp is in telogen at any given time. However, a greater percentage enters telogen during these events.
The most common cause is pregnancy, which can result in extensive and worrisome hair loss in women after the birth of a baby. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair eventually grows back within 6 to 9 months. However in some cases the hair loss continues until the underlying cause is fixed. Telogen effluvium appears to affect more women than men because more of the precipitating event such as childbirth are experienced by women. Temporary hair loss can be caused by:
Alopecia areata. Intense stress can also trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. Alopecia Areata affects both men and women equally and is often experienced first in childhood. According to a survey taken in America one person in every hundred is likely to experience Alopecia Areata at sometime in their life. Many people affected with Alopecia Areata will only have one experience of hair loss with regrowth occurring afterwards, however it is estimated that in approximately 20% of cases in the UK hair loss recurs or becomes permanent.
This is thought to be an auto-immune disease of the hair, initially appearing as a rounded bare patch about an inch across. In this condition, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, which stops hair growth. Within weeks, the affected hair falls out. Hair loss usually starts as a small round patch but may eventually spread to the whole scalp and sometimes to body hair as well. Your hair may grow back, but medical advice should be sought as treatment may be necessary.
There are three types of Alopecia Areata. In order of severity:
Alopecia Areata is mild patchy hair loss on the scalp
Alopecia Totalis is the loss of all scalp hair
Alopecia Universalis is the loss of scalp and all body hair
Every day stress: It is believed that every day stress does not cause hair loss—it simply makes a bad situation worse. Even though hair loss is not a direct cause of hair loss, it does appear to be a side effect. Stress can cause us to let our basic health habits go.
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Q. Will my medications increase my baldness?
A. Some prescription medications can increase or contribute to increased hair loss. Obviously chemotherapy causes hair loss but other drugs than affect baldness include Accutane, Heparin, Coumarin, Clofibrate, Gemfibrizol, Allopurinol, among others. Always consult your physician before stopping or changing your medication.
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Q: “What is the role of sebum in hair loss?
A: Sebum is the oily liquid covering the skin surface. Recently, a group of Japanese researcher reported a correlation between excessive sebum in the scalp and hair loss. Excessive sebum often accompanying thinning hair is attributed to an enlargement of the sebaceous gland. They believed excessive sebum causes a high level of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and pore clogging, leading to malnutrition of the hair root and a shift into the resting (telogen) phase.
Although this condition could be hereditary, they believe diet is a more likely cause. The researchers note that Japanese hair was thick and healthy, with a small gland and little scalp oil, until large amounts of animal fat crept into their diet after WWII. This change has led to a significant height increase in the Japanese population, but it has also resulted in more Japanese men losing hair. To some extent, their observation makes sense: problems with greasy hair have often been noted as much as six months to a year prior hair thinning becoming noticeable. However, this might just be one of the symptoms instead of an underlying cause, so more research is needed. Specific foods or vitamins don't regrow hair, although good nutrition is essential for healthy hair.
You may notice a greasier scalp after beginning laser treatments. The scalp typically normalizes after a few treatments. A scalp that was greasy before treatment soon starts to normalize after beginning treatment. This condition has not been fully explained but is believed to be the result of the normalization of the sebum (lipid) secretion from the sebaceous gland during treatment.
Most doctors agree that if you have a oily scalp with thinning hair, frequent shampooing is advised. Shampooing can reduce surface sebum, which contains high levels of testosterone and DHT that may reenter the skin and affect the hair follicle.
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Q. Are there any hair styles that contribute to baldness?
A. Yes, the medical term is called "traction alopecia". It's hair loss caused or made worse by tension, pulling, or stress on hair follicles. Tight ponytails, cornrows or braids contribute to increased loss. This is most common in African American patients. Early diagnosis is the key to correcting this condition. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have questions.
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Q. What about hair extensions?
A. Ironically, because of the tension created in the extending process, people suffering from thinning hair who get hair extensions are possibly worsening their condition.
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Q: Can hair coloring cause hair loss?
A: When applied incorrectly, permanent hair color and chemical relaxers damage the hair strand and follicle to the extent that hair loss can be permanent.
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Q. I wear a baseball cap a lot. Does wearing a hat cause baldness?
A. Not unless it was tight enough to cut off the circulation of your scalp and head (in which case, thinning hair may be the least of your problems). If you do wear a hat, be sure it "breathes" allowing air to reach your scalp and is not so tight as to be uncomfortable. Hair loss is genetic, so if your father had thinning hair and wore a cap all the time, it is more likely you are losing your hair from his genetic pattern than you are his habit of wearing a hat.
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Q: What is the relationship between genetics and hair loss?
A: Although not the primary cause of male-pattern hair loss, genetics does have a significant role in male-pattern hair loss. It is unclear whether having an affected mother or an affected father predisposes descendants to greater risks.
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Q: Can hair loss occur in young adults?
A: Male-pattern hair loss can occur as early as 15, although it typically begins anywhere from the 20s and early 30s. Familial history may help determine if this is going to occur, as parents with a history of early-onset male-pattern hair loss may increase the risk for this to occur in descendants. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, two other forms of temporary hair loss, can occur in children as young as one year of age.
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Q. Are there any other conditions that can cause hair loss?
A. Yes. There are several other causes of hair loss such as "alopecia areata" and "telogen effluvium".
The autoimmune disorder called "alopecia areata" occurs in both men and women. This disorder causes the immune system to attack its own follicles. It frequently occurs during childhood and often has significant psychological and emotional impact. This is a serious disorder that can lead to "alopecia totalis", which is hair loss over the entire body. If you are losing hair in patches, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. It may be caused by medication or other factors, but be sure to see a dermatologist.
Treatment for alopecia areata is completely different than the more common forms of hair loss. Consult your dermatologist if you suspect this is the case.
Telogen effluvium's (or non-scarring alopecia's) main symptom is an increase of hair shedding. This is usually a temporary condition that lasts as little as six months. If it lasts longer than 6 months it is called "chronic telogen effluvium" and can be caused by severe illnesses, pregnancy, some prescription medications, and stress. Certain medications such as beta blockers and retinoids list hair loss as a possible side effect. An allergic scalp reaction can also trigger telogen effluvium. Telogen Effluvium can occur at any age. Your dermatologist tests you for telogen effluvium.
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Q: What can be the cause of a sudden loss of a large mass of hair?
A: Stressors such as illness, high fever, pregnancy, extreme weight loss or gain, and drug use, can cause temporary hair loss. This type of hair loss is temporary and full regrowth should be expected. See the Question above regarding stress and hair loss.
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Q: How does Laser Light Hair Therapy Affect Color Treated Hair?
A: Salon chemical services are greatly enhanced with Laser Light Hair Therapy. Laser light energy closes the cuticle, locking in Anagen Therapy conditioner, color molecules and essential moisture. Hair color is more vivid. resists fading and lasts longer. Hair looks shinier and split ends show remarkable improvement after only one or two treatments. The negative effects of chemical perming are reversed with laser treatment because each strand of hair is nourished and repaired making perms look more natural and waves and curls last longer.
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Q: How common is hair loss in women?
A: The number of women experiencing hair loss is almost the same as the number of men. However, in women, usually the degree of hair loss is not as extensive as it is in males.
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Q: Can hormone replacement therapy trigger hair loss in women?
A: Occasionally, genetic thinning can be triggered by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Progestogens in HRT can have an effect on the hair similar to androgens. Progestogens that do not influence androgenetic alopecia are Gestodene, Desorgestrol, and Cyproterone acetate. Some oral or depot (slow- release injection) contraceptives can exert an androgenetic influence in susceptible women. Changing contraceptives to one that has no active androgenetic effects will usually correct the problem.
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Q: What are the differences in the cause of hair loss in women as opposed to men?
A: Most women lose their hair for the same reason that men do-genetics. It’s called female-pattern balding, as opposed to male-pattern balding, but both refer to what is called androgenetic alopecia, which means hair loss caused by a sensitivity to male type hormones, which men and women both have. Women are more protected by estrogen for a period of time, but the cause is the same. It’s just that it typically occurs later, it goes more slowly, and the pattern is such that it’s easier to cover it up than it is for men. Because men lose their hair in large quantities in a localized area, they appear bald. However, women’s hair loss is diffused all over their heads, so it’s appears as thin hair.
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Q: What is the second most common cause of hair loss in women?
A: Telogen effluvium, which is where the hair goes into a resting or shock phase after any type of insult. The most common cause of this type of resting hair shedding is pregnancy. Three to six months after delivering a child, many women will notice a great degree of hair loss as the hair cycles into a resting phase because of the physiologic insult of pregnancy.
Women who are on crash diets and lose a great deal of weight over a short period of time, or after acute illnesses, such as an acute infection, can also experience telogen effluvium. Anything that puts stress on the body can cause the body to recycle its hair into a resting phase and cause acute hair shedding, called telogen effluvium.
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Q: What is the third most common cause of hair loss in women?
A: The third most common cause that we see in clinical practice is a condition called alopecia areata. Areata is Latin for "round" or "circumscribed", which means that people suddenly see bald spots here or there, or little, tiny short hairs that are broken off. Sometimes it’s noticed by the person cutting their hair. It’s often related to some stressful event, and it’s believed to be some type of immunologic imbalance. The immune system goes after its own hair for some unknown reason, causing them to go into the resting phase and slow down their growth so they break off or come out. A lot of times, it regrows by itself. But a small number of people have very severe problems. Some people will lose all the hair on their head, and some people lose all the hair on their body. It’s quite a common condition.
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Q: How can a woman tell if she’s actually losing her hair?
A: It’s said that we have to lose 50% of our hair in any given area before it starts to be noticeably thin, but a lot of women notice it long before then. There are very few people with delusions of hair loss. They can just tell by the texture, by the body, that it’s not the hair it used to be. Eventually it gets to the point where women begin to see scalp and not hair. Right behind the hairline they tend to get a round or oval-shaped area that gets very, very thin.
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Q: Does the body then recover into a normal growth cycle?
A: Usually. Because the body is able to compensate for this insult, usually three to nine months after the insult, the hair will begin to regrow, and usually in most cases between 90 to 100% of hair regrowth can be expected.
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Q: What's considered "bald"?
A: You would have to lose about HALF of the 100,000 hairs on your head before thinning hair would become noticeable.
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Q: If I shave my head, will my hair grow back thicker?
A: No.
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Q: If I hang upside down, will that stop my hair loss?
A: No, but it would be fun to watch. The blood rushing to your head could create a monster headache, but the added circulation will not stimulate hair growth.
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Q: Does taking vitamins help slow hair loss?
A: Not really. There are some schools of thought that believe that the mineral Zinc may help slow hair thinning. Certain medical conditions or extreme malnourishment will cause hair loss. If your body is so poor of health that it is causing hair loss, the thinning hair is probably not the biggest issue facing you. See a physician immediately. Taking a multivitamin is a good idea in general, so it won’t hurt, but you should consult a physician before any health regimen or diet changes to make sure they are safe for your particular situation.
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Q: How important is hair care?
A: Poor hair care is generally not the 'cause' of hair loss. There are hundreds of shampoos and products available that claim that they treat hair loss, but the FDA has only approved two medications, Rogaine and Propecia, to treat hair loss. Genetics causes hair loss. Strawberry-Mango shampoo is not going to fix it. Studies do indicate some sort of connection between an oily scalp and hair thinning. What is not clear, is if the greasy hair strands cause hair loss, or if hair loss somehow causes greasy hair. In any event, you should be sure to shampoo your hair at least once a day.
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Q: Do shampoos and other hair products cause hair loss?
A: An allergic reaction to any constituent in shampoo or hair products can cause hair loss. Shampoos are designed to be as safe as possible, although there is always someone who will react to them. Caustic hair dyes, straighteners, and other products can certainly cause inflammation of the scalp and result in hair loss.
Recently researchers in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany and Japan have raised concerns with some common chemical ingredients used in shampoo, suggesting they may be linked to premature hair loss. The Anagen Laser Hair Therapy products here at Restart Hair are nature's path to the appearance of fuller hair, thicker hair, healthier hair and more hair for both men and women. These products can help to create the healthiest environment in which hair can grow. No shampoos to date have been shown to regrow hair.
Hair loss is not just a problem for men alone. One out of every four women in the U.S. experiences hereditary hair loss, and for that one woman, hair loss can feel like a first class cosmetic disaster with mental anguish.
The causes and symptoms of hair loss in women can be different than those associated with men. Below, two dermatologists discuss the differences between male and female pattern baldness.
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Q: What are the benefits and what is the clinical premise behind our hair therapy products?
A: Recently researchers in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany and Japan have raised concerns with some common chemical ingredients used in shampoo, suggesting they may be linked to premature hair loss. The greatest concern seems to be sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium laurel ether sulfate (SLES), found in approximately 90% of commercial shampoos. There is evidence that these caustic chemicals actually corrode the hair follicle and impair the hair's ability to grow. SLES appears to cause a dramatic decline in the hair growth cycle, prolonging the hair loss phase (normally 3 months) by a factor of eight. Simply removing the corrosive and irritating effects of this ingredient begins to restore the healthy function of the hair follicle. Anagen Therapy Shampoo, Conditioner, Enzyme Cleaner and Daily Treatment formulas are made from naturally occurring ingredients and manufactured without salt, alcohol, artificial colors, or detergents. These products are made using botanical oil from the rain forest and nine other all-natural plant derivatives, which help promote healthy hair and scalp and enhance the effect of Laser Light Therapy.
The Anagen Therapy Product line includes an Anagen Therapy Chlorine-Free Shower Head Filter. Chlorine attacks protein in our body and can cause adverse effects on the skin and hair. Research presented to the American Chemical Society suggests that long, hot showers are actually a health risk. When chlorine evaporates from the water in the form of a vapor and is inhaled, the fumes provide 6 to 100 times more exposure to the chemical than would be received by drinking the water! Aside from the health risk, removing the chlorine from shower water has proven to be of extreme benefit in creating and maintaining a healthy scalp, healthy skin and healthy hair.
The Anagen Laser Hair Therapy program is nature's path to the appearance of fuller hair, thicker hair, healthier hair and more hair for both men and women.
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Q: What FDA approved medications can I take?
A: There are only 2 FDA approved medications for hair loss finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil.
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that is often compared to finasteride, however the FDA has not approved this for hair loss.
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Q: How does finasteride (Propecia) work?
A: In the hair follicle cells, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into the more biologically active dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT hormone then binds to receptors in the hair follicle, triggering cellular processes in genetically predisposed hair follicles that reduce the anagen (growing) phase of the hair cycle.
It is believed that the prescription drug finasteride, which is a prescription medicine and the active ingredient in Propecia/Proscar, is an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, blocking the chemical conversion from testosterone to DHT. This allows those hairs predisposed to inactivity to become active again and make new hairs.
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Q: What's the difference between Propecia and Proscar?
A: Propecia (1 mg strength) and Proscar (5 mg strength) are two different dosages of the same medicine, finasteride.
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Q: How effective is Propecia?
A: Finasteride (Propecia and Proscar) is effective at treating mild to moderate male-pattern hair loss. In two 24-month studies of men, ages 18 to 41, approximately 80% of the men maintained their base hair count (versus 28% on placebo), and 66% had visible regrowth (versus 7% on placebo). Most of the men in the study reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in their hair loss, and an improvement in their appearance.
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Q: Herbal solutions: Is saw palmetto comparable to Propecia for the treatment of hair loss?
A: Saw palmetto (serenoa serrulata) is a small palm tree native to the eastern U.S. The saw palmetto berries and finasteride have biologically active components with similar actions. The fat-soluble part of the saw palmetto berries and finasteride are both inhibitors of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT.
Because their modes of action are slightly different, present research indicates that both saw palmetto and finasteride can be taken concurrently to more effectively suppress the androgenetic process. A small percentage of males can experience decreased libido or sexual dysfunction when taking finesteride, but these problems should disappear when the drug is withdrawn. Taking saw palmetto concurrently often helps offset any decreased libido caused by the taking of finesteride. There are several double-blind studies comparing saw palmetto to finasteride in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). Studies suggest that taking saw palmetto for prostate problems can be as effective as finesteride, but there are presently little documented studies with hair loss.
Saw palmetto is mainly used for the treatment of conditions associated with BPH (nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland). Recent clinical research appears to have proven that Saw Palmetto extract is beneficial in BPH. Its mechanism of action in the treatment of BPH is reported that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the agent thought to be responsible for the enlargement of the prostrate. In addition Saw Palmetto extract inhibits the binding of DHT to receptors thus blocking its action. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect both on androgen and estrogen nuclear receptors. This is accomplished without interfering with testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone levels. Most importantly, Saw Palmetto does not effect PSA levels, thus it does not mask the ability of PSA tests to detect cancer.
Hair Edge’s Hair and Prostate Revitalizing Complex capsules contain 320 mg of saw palmetto extract standardized to 85% fatty acids with active sterols. This complex is formulated to enhance the growing (anagen) phase by providing vital nutrients to the hair follicle, creating the healthiest environment in which fuller, thicker, healthier hair can grow.
More on saw palmetto: (http://www.mendosa.com/sawpalm.htm)
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Q: Herbal solutions: Are pumpkin seeds comparable to Propecia?
A: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a condition that commonly affects men 50 years and older in the U.S. BPH involves enlargement of the prostate gland. One of the factors that contributes to BPH is overstimulation of the prostate cells by testosterone and its conversion product, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Components in pumpkin seed oil appear able to interrupt this triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT, although the exact mechanism for this effect is still a matter of discussion. The carotenoids and omega-3 fats found in pumpkin seeds are also being studied for their potential prostate benefits. Men with higher amounts of carotenoids in their diet have less risk for BPH; this is the connection that has led to an interest in pumpkin seed carotenoids.
The Hair Edge Hair and Prostate Revitalizing Complex capsules contain 480 mg of pumpkin seed oil. This complex is formulated to enhance the growing (anagen) phase by providing vital nutrients to the hair follicle, creating the healthiest environment in which fuller, thicker, healthier hair can grow.
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Q: How does minoxidil work?
A: Minoxidil (Rogaine) is applied to the scalp twice a day. In its oral or intravenous form, it is a potent anti-hypertensive medicine, used in emergencies to lower critical blood pressures. It was during this use that hair growth was noted in patients with hair loss. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. However, most experts feel that it causes dilation of the blood vessels in the scalp and increased exposure of the hair follicle to the blood flow. The FDA approved its use for regrowth at the back of the head, but it has been shown to work on the top of the head and less well at the angles. Its predominant effect is to decrease loss and maintain existing growth.
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Q: Are high-strength minoxidil formulas better than lower-strength ones?
A: Topical minoxidil is available over the counter in 2% and 5% formulas. The 5% solution is generally believed to be more effective at maintaining existing hair and stimulating new growth.
A study in the April 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared 48 weeks of treatment with 2% and 5% minoxidil in women with female pattern hair loss. Compared with placebo, 5% minoxidil was superior in regards to hair count and patient and researcher evaluations of hair growth. While the 2% solution improved hair count and researchers' assessments of hair growth, the patients did not appear to notice a significant improvement in hair growth.
The 5% solution is typically not recommended for use in women because of possible increased hair growth on the sides of the face. However, this growth is (can be???) temporary and some practitioners do use it after explaining the full range of possible side effects and complications to the individual.
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Q: How long does it take to see results from minoxidil and Propecia?
It is recommended that minoxidil and Propecia be used for 12-months before deciding upon their efficacy. When considering the temporary forms of hair loss, each individual should be treated by a dermatologist according to their needs.
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Q: Can women use 5% minoxidil
A: A study of 2% and 5% topical minoxidil solutions to treat female pattern hair loss was conducted in 1992-93. Of the 381 patients who entered the study, 153 received 5% minoxidil solution, 154 received 2% minoxidil solution and 74 received placebo. At 48 weeks, the mean change from baseline hair counts showed that 2% and 5% minoxidil solution had results significantly superior to placebo. The superior results began at Week 8 and continued to the end of the study. Results were slightly better for 5% minoxidil solution. Mean change from baseline at Week 48 in 1-square-centimeter hair counts were 24.5 in the 5% minoxidil group, 20.7 in the 2% minoxidil group, and 9.4 in the placebo group.
Drug-related adverse events were more common in the 5% minoxidil group (14%) than in the 2% group. The most common drug-related adverse events were pruritis (itching), scalp dermatitis, scalp skin scaling, and hypertrichosis (excessive facial hair growth). Four patients had excessive facial hair growth and three of those dropped out of the study.
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Q: Can women take Propecia?
It has been shown that Propecia (1 mg strength) and Proscar (5 mg strength) are dangerous to a fetus and therefore they’re FDA approved for use only in men.
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Q: What oral treatments are available to treat female pattern thinning?
A: Oral treatments for female genetic thinning usually means hormonal therapy in the form of either phytoestrogens or antiandrogens. A phytoestrogen is a naturally occurring oestrogen derived from plants ('phyto' means plant). The herbal supplement Dong Quai is a phytoestrogen that helps prevent androgens from influencing the hair, thereby preventing further thinning. Additional phytoestrogens may also be consumed in food sources such as soy products, tofu or miso.
Aldactone (spironolactone) is a diuretic and testosterone inhibitor pill that works by impacting the enzyme receptors in the hair follicle, thus stopping the cycle of androgen-related hair loss. While it works well for some women, it can cause breast tenderness and other annoying side effects.
Some doctors report that many women have found help through the use of estrogen-dominant birth control pills. These oral contraceptives work by overriding the high levels of testosterone and flooding hair follicles with enough female hormones to keep testosterone-related hair loss from taking place. Among the brands favored by hair loss specialists include Yasmin, Demulen, Desogen, and Orthocyclen. Doctors have said that it’s a rumor that birth control pills can actually cause hair loss in some women. They’ve said that birth control pills can cause a temporary change in the hair growth and shedding pattern, aggravating the loss, but they won't cause the loss.
The more severe cases of female genetic thinning would require the oral prescription drugs Androcur, Aldactone, or antiandrogen contraceptives such as DianelBrenda 35 ED. These decrease androgen production and help block its effects. For women unable to take oral antiandrogens, topical spironolactone can be used in conjunction with minoxidil to reduce androgen activity in the scalp. The potential side effects of these drugs must be explained to the client by their prescribing MD. When genetic thinning occurs as a result of a problem with the ovaries or adrenal glands, the thinning should cease once corrective treatment has been undertaken.
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Q. Is having hair really that important?
A. This is a question that each person has to answer for themselves. The real importance of hair is in the mental state that it gives you and the impression it leaves with others. Fuller hair may give you more confidence and that will impact everything in your life from your work to sports to your sex life. It is natural for people to associate a full head of hair with more sexual attractiveness, youthfulness, and vitality.
These frequently asked questions were put together for the Boston hair loss treatment center, Hair Edge.