Propecia is the first and only FDA-approved pill demonstrated to treat male pattern hair loss.

Friday, September 29, 2006

A Review of Hair Loss Products

It is easier to prevent healthy hair falling out than to regrow hair in already-dormant hair follicles.

Home Remedies

There are all kinds of home remedies for hair loss. Many of them can be dismissed as old wives tales—but some of them possibly help some people. Here are a few of the more promising home remedies for hair loss:


- Rinse hair with a solution of sage tea and apple cider vinegar
- Almond oil, castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and amla oil may have benefits when warmed and


massaged into the scalp
- Coconut milk or aloe vera gel massaged into the scalp may have a similar effect
- A masque of honey and egg yolk can be applied to the hair and scalp.


With the exception of the sage tea and apple cide vinegar all other applications should be shampooed out of the hair after use.

Herbal Remedies

Several herbal remedies make the claim of restoring hair growth and a number of herbal lotions as well as several nutritional supplements claim to be specifically formulated to deal with hair loss. A person with a preference for alternative treatments rather than chemically based treatments may benefit from a visit to a herbalist to discuss herbal hair loss remedies.

It has been suggested that the following herbal remedies may be of assistance in hair loss:


- ginko biloba
- green tea
- polygonum multiflorum, a traditional Chinese herb
- pygeum
- aloe vera
- saw palmetto (serenoa repens)
- stinging nettle
- resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in grape skins


Some of these are taken in tablet form and some are made into preparations that you massage into your scalp. Some, for example stinging nettle, can cause an allergic reaction, so all herbal preparations should be used with care.

It is claimed that saw palmetto - a herbal DHT inbibitor - has fewer side effects and is cheaper that finasteride (sold in the US as Propecia) and works in a similar manner

Minoxidil (Rogain®)

Many people have confidence in this product for restoring hair growth. It’s available at any pharmacy without a prescription and it appears to work for a lot of people. Minoxidil is useful for both men and women to assist in regrowing hair. Treatment needs to be continuous, however, because ceasing treatment with Minoxidil will cause the hair to again begin falling out.

Finasteride (Propecia®)

Finasteride in an antiandrogen 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, marketed under the names Propecia, Proscar, Finacar and others. It is a prescription medication and may be the best hair loss product for some people. A visit to a doctor is required to get a prescrption, but that in itself is not a bad thing because the doctor will check to see if there is some underlying cause for the hair loss that may require treatment. There are some known side effects with Finesteride, including erectile dysfuntion, that affect a small number of users of the preparation.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal and potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that is often used as a topically applied supplement to other hair loss treatments.

It is interesting to note that placebo treatments often have reasonable success rates (and similar side effects) in studies, although the success rate tends not to be as high as with the product being tested.

Concealing Baldness

There are times when the best hair loss product is a cover up of some kind. This is especially true when the hair loss is temporary, such as when hair falls out during chemotherapy. Several organizations produce hats or caps for cancer sufferers.

Other methods of hiding hair loss include the comb over which involves combing the remaining hair over the bald spot. This ceases to be effective as balness increases. A wig or a hairpiece is another option but in the end, embracing baldness - especially for men - can be the simplest, cheapest and often the best option.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Review-of-Hair-Loss-Products&id=305176

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Genes Play Role in Hair-Pulling Disorder

Certain genes may raise the risk for a compulsive hair-pulling disorder known as trichotillomania, U.S. researchers report.

This impulse-control disorder affects 3 percent to 5 percent of the population. People with trichotillomania have noticeable hair loss or bald patches. The condition often accompanies other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or Tourette syndrome.

This study included 44 families with one or more members with trichotillomania. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, N.C., found that some people with trichotillomania had two mutations in the SLITRK1 gene. These mutations were not found in family members who did not have the disorder.

The SLITRK1 gene plays a role in the formation of connections among brain cells (neurons). Mutations in the gene may cause neurons to develop faulty connections that result in trichotillomania, the scientists said.

But they also stressed that SLITRK1 gene mutations probably account for only a small percentage of trichotillomania cases.

The findings were to be published in the October issue of Molecular Psychiatry.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for trichotillomania. It's sometimes successfully managed with drugs designed to treat anxiety disorders and depression.

News Source: http://www.forbes.com/

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair!

Hair loss in men

Hair loss and thinning hair have been sensitive issues for men throughout time. Recently, medical science has eventually identified the main cause of hair loss. At present, it's a known medical fact that hair loss stems from both genetic and hormonal causes. Androgenetic Alopecia or even "male pattern hair loss" is implicated in ninety five percent of hair loss cases. The key is a hormonal byproduct called DHT (dihydrotestostrone). The even more DHT that gets put into your body, the even more your hair follicles turn into thinner and finer until the hair is permanently wasted.

DHT and hair loss

DHT is 1 of many male hormones in the body. DHT is developmentally vital early in a man’s life; however, it appears to be a cause of hair loss as men get older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces obvious hair.

Doctors believe that excess DHT is an apparent cause of hair loss The causes of hair loss aren't well defined; however, researchers have uncovered that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Individual hair usually follows a cycle of expansion, falling out, and new expansion. However increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the expansion phase and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Provillus blocks DHT (dihydrotestostrone) from getting to your body, which is 1 of the major causes of hair loss. The Breakthrough formula of Provillus was designed to block DHT and supply the proper foods to your body specifically tailored to block hair loss and to help you regrow hair naturally. Strong, sound hair begins with the proper nutritional building blocks. You do not have to hold off until there's a problem to end it! Provillus supplements your body's natural supply of these vitamins and lets the tiny follicles below your scalp receive exactly what they want to manufacture beautiful, full-bodied hair.

Active Ingredients For Hair Loss And Regrow Hair!

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that survives in 3 major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide kind of functions for your body and is essential for your fantastic health and hair expansion. For instance, vitamin B6 is needed for even more than one hundred enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It's also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and resistant systems require vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it's also needed for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.

Biotin is section of the Vitamin B complex and is a vitamin supplement necessary for sound hair, scalp and nails. Biotin will help with the condition of the hair and the scalp as well. Just put...Biotin is Hair Food.

Magnesium is an essential mineral and plays an crucial role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular transmission bone structure and hair expansion.

Zinc is necessary for a fit body, and is also of apply in fighting skin problems like acne, boils and sore throats. It's further needed for cell division, and is needed per tissue of the hair, nails and skin to be in top form. Zinc is further utilized in the expansion and maintenance of muscles.

Saw Palmetto acts by lowering DHT in the body and by blocking five alpha-reductase. Saw palmetto blocks the receptor sites on cell membranes that are expected for the absorption of DHT. Since Saw palmetto blocks the employ of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a similar causative factor in Androgenetic Alopecia, it's a powerful herb in this hair expansion formulation.

Nettle root blocks two enzymes, 5a-reductase, which makes the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and aromatase enzyme, which makes estrogens. Studies showed that nettle root extract was efficient in inhibiting these two enzymes which was a leading cause of hair loss.

Gotu Kola is related to the and supports the integrity of hair expansion, collagen and skin. It can help heal minor wounds and skin irritations, help assure blood vessel integrity, and promote circulation throughout the body, including to the brain. A long-standing tonic rejuvenator, it's said to help concentration and memory.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima) The oil extract from pumpkin seeds is also a natural hair loss remedy that is believed to effect levels of testosterone in the body. The beneficial effects of pumpkin seed extract as a hair loss guide are however under investigation. It's believed that the extract infects the androgen levels of diseases and so might have an influence on the androgens that are responsible for hair loss.

Eleuthero Formerly Siberian Ginseng, (Glandular) is a member of the ginseng family, though it's of a different genus than more popular ginsengs like the Panax kind. Along with more ginsengs, it's an extended history of being utilized to help restore concentration, increase energy and promote fit hair and nail expansion.

Uva-Ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated & inflamed tissues. The herb neutralizes acidity in the urine, increasing urine flow, so reducing bloating & water retention, making it beneficial for hair expansion.

Muria Puama plays an significant role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular transmission bone structure and hair expansion for both men and women. Also help with stress management, nervous system stimulation, virility, and overall health.



Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/

Monday, September 25, 2006

Hair loss is genetic — but it can be treated

Our genes do indeed determine how much hair we'll have and how long we'll keep it, says Dr. Denise Burke, a Medford dermatologist.

But just because your father was bald doesn't mean you'll inevitably be hairless, too. Burke says the hair gene has what physicians call "variable expression," which means hair loss may not occur in everybody who gets the gene.

The gene's erratic behavior also means that some people start losing their hair sooner than others. The amount of hair loss can vary, too, but some degree of hair loss is nearly universal among men. Burke says about 96 percent of all men will eventually experience at least some hair thinning in the temples even if they don't lose hair anywhere else.

Men who lose their hair are sensitive to a chemical called DHT, or dihydrotesterone, a by-product of testosterone. Prolonged exposure to DHT causes the hair follicles (the specialized cells that produce the hairs) start to shrink. The hair shafts gradually become thinner and thinner, until they disappear.




The most common form of hair loss, known as male pattern baldness (or "androgenetic alopecia") is extremely common and it affects more than half of all men. Hair gradually disappears from the top and sides of the head, but a fringe of varying density remains around the ears.

Burke says certain areas of the scalp are more susceptible to the "androgen effect" of DHT and other chemicals. The hair follicles on the back of the scalp and along the margins are not as affected by DHT and therefore not as likely to disappear.

Hair loss can't be prevented, but it can be treated with drugs. Burke says minoxidil (trademarked as Rogaine) stimulates hair growth in about 50 to 55 percent of people who use it. It's applied topically twice a day.

Minoxidil was developed as a medicine to treat high blood pressure. Its ability to promote hair growth was discovered as a side effect. It was originally a prescription medicine, but can now be purchased over the counter.

Another hair loss medicine, finasteride (trademarked as Propecia) is a pill that's taken once a day. Burke says about 48 percent of people who use it will see some regrowth.

Propecia, which is a prescription medicine, works by decreasing DHT, the chemical that causes the hair follicles to shrink. Nobody knows the mechanism that makes Rogaine work, Burke says.

How much hair the drugs produce varies tremendously. Some people grow no more than a thin crop of fine hair; for others, the new growth is thick and dense. Burke says the earlier such products are used, the more likely they are to promote hair growth.

There are surgical treatments for hair loss, too. Physicians can remove parts of the scalp that no longer grow hair and pull forward the areas of scalp that still grow hair.

"It's like a face lift," Burke said, "but it's a scalp lift."

Physicians can also transplant plugs of hair-growing scalp into areas that no longer grow hair.

Many kinds of hair loss are not hereditary.

"Telogen effluvium" is a condition that causes an abnormally large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase that they normally pass through after a hair falls out in preparation for growing a new hair. The extra shedding usually occurs in connection with illness, thyroid abnormalities, major surgery, medications, or low iron levels.

"Alopecia areata" is a

disease that causes smooth, circular patches of hair loss, and in many patients its primary cause is not evident. Some conflicting studies show that alopecia areata occurred after severe emotional stress.

Alopecia areata also tends to run in families. Ten to 50 percent of cases occur in families with a history of this disease. This kind of hair loss has been seen in people with thyroid abnormalities, but it is not believed to be caused by thyroid abnormalities.

"Anagen effluvium" is hair loss in the growing stage. This is the hair loss that's associated with the radiation and chemotherapy treatments given to cancer patients.

With hair loss so common among men, it's tempting to think it must have some purpose, but Burke says no one has been able to find any evolutionary reason why men lose their hair.



News Source: http://www.mailtribune.com/

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Procerin - Herbal and Natural Method to Cure Male Baldness

Now a day male baldness is very common, remember this is not a natural process in fact it is a disease. Earlier this disease used to start at the age of 50 or above, now age of venerability to disease has been reduced to 30 years. Even a male in his teens can suffer from this disease. Males in older age generally do not pay heed to their external looks. But, baldness for a male in his youth is not less than falling of thunderbolt. It reduces the chances of intermixing with women because a bald man becomes an object to laugh at. There can be chances of quarrel because of baldness as tolerating embarrassing words is always not possible.

Male-baldness is known as androgenetic alopecia, this occurs because of malfunctioning of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible to develop a child into an adult male. This particular hormone is responsible for stimulating pubic hairs, beard, and moustaches to grow. On head DHT acts negatively there it deteriorates growth of hair by contracting hair follicles. Contracted follicles are fatal for hair, as hair completely depends on hair follicles for their existence. Reduced hair follicles make hair thin and venerable to fall easily.

Blocking action of DHT is the best way to stop hair from falling. Procerin does this work naturally. Procerin is made from natural herbs; it is the production of Speedwinds Nutrition Inc. The drug is a blend of herbs, vitamin and mineral. It is generally prepared from natural ingredients like Gotu Kola, Nettles, Pumpkin Seed, Siberian Gineseng, Muira Puma Root and Uwa Ursi. Because of regulation over Yohimbe in some countries, according to a report it has been eliminated from the drug. The herbal ingredients like Saw Palmetto, Gotu Kola and Nesstles blocks action of DHT. Vitamins and minerals are also present in the drug to stimulate the growth of hair.

The drug is completely natural and effective; it has no major side effect on the human body. It might give some stomach discomfort for few initial days; this will disappear soon after adjustment to the drug. Procerin in women does not produce any effect until and unless they are suffering form DHT related hair fall.




Procerin efficacy is high; its success rate is around 88%. Dosage of Procerin should be taken twice a day. One dose of Procerin should be taken in the morning other is in the night before going to bed. It gives better results in the people between the age group of 18 to 35 years. Procerin, Rogaine and Propecia work differently and act on different stage of DHT; therefore a combination of Procerin & Rogaine or Procerin & Propecia can be used simultaneously. The rate of growth of hair is slow so you cannot find any significant growth if you don’t use Procerin at least for a month.

News Source: http://www.bestsyndication.com/

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Procerin - The 21st Century Hair Loss Cure For Men?

A natural new hair loss remedy that works for 92% of men that suffer from androgenetic alopecia.

Procerin - a natural remedy for hair loss has been found effective in reversing hair loss in men caused by androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of male hair loss, thinning hair and receding hairlines often reffered to as widows peak. Basiclly men suffering from androgenetic alopecia have extremely high levels of the chemical dihydrotestosterone, a by-product of the major male hormone testosterone, so when this hormone is converted into DHT the results are hair loss and this is where Procerin steps in and blocks the production of DHT and unlike other medications does not with react with testosterone.

Procerin has been scientifically designed to help men retain and regrow their hair. The 17 active ingredients are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors and include, Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Siberian Ginseng, Vitamin B-6, Pumpkin Seed Meal, CJ-11 Factor, CJ-9 Factor, and Mura Puma Root, becuase the product contains only natural ingredients the only known side effects are mild stomach discomfort for the first few days, if you are suffering an illness it is wise to consult your doctor before use especilly if you are currently taking a MAOI inhibitor.

Studys have shown that Procerin is more effective as a natural hair loss remedy in men aged between 18-35 and those whose hair is still in a growth phase. Men that still have growing hair experience an increase in hair count, and improvement in both hairline and thinning at the crown of their head, becuase hair grows at an extremely slow rate ( about 1" every two months) it best to take Procerin for at 1-2 months before results can be expected, but some users of Procerin have reported good results after only 2 weeks, most men take 1-3 months before before significant increases in hair count occur, not bad comparing to Propecia that can take upto 6 months for good hair growth results.




So does Procerin work? Procerin has had many good results with many success storys and the companys boasts that Procerin the natural hair loss remedy works with 92% of men who suffer androgenetic alopecia the most common cause of hair loss plus Procerin is a cost effective alternative to other hair loss products like Propecia & Rogaine and unlike prescription medication Procerin is backed by a 90-Day Unconditional, No questions asked Money Back Guarantee so you have nothing to lose except your hair of course.

So maybe Procerin is the natural hair loss cure of the 21st century only time will tell.

News Source: http://www.prweb.com/

Monday, September 11, 2006

A Look At The Most Effective Hair Loss Cures

With hair loss becoming more and more of a problem for many men and even some women, it seems the number of hair loss cures on the market has never been greater than it is today. There are so many different purported cures for this common condition that it can be difficult to separate the ones that really work from the ones that do not.

One of the best ways to sort out the best hair loss cures is to keep on top of the latest research. Luckily the internet provides health care consumers with a wealth of information on all kinds of health conditions, including of course hair loss. Reading the latest research into the causes and cures of hair loss and male pattern baldness is one of the best ways to find the best and most effective cures for hair loss, thinning hair and baldness.

Many of us of course are looking for a permanent cure to baldness, and one such permanent cure can be a surgical hair transplant. Surgical hair transplantation involves the transplanting of hair, either from a part of the head that contains plenty of head, or even from a hair donor, and it can be very effective. However, hair transplant surgery can also have some serious side effects, including swelling and scabbing, and many men feel that the results can look somewhat artificial.

There are of course a number of non-surgical approaches to the problem of hair loss, including hair weaves. Weaving natural or artificial hair into existing hair can be a good way to provide a natural looking head of hair, but it does require some upkeep and frequent adjustments to keep your own hair and the hair weave looking natural.

Of course there are plenty of other hair loss cures on the market as well, including a number of excellent topical hair loss treatments and many over the counter and prescription oral medications. Some of the biggest and best known names in the hair loss treatment market include Propecia and Rogaine, and it is important to research these treatments to determine which ones work the best for you. As with any course of treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor to make sure the treatment is appropriate, and to keep your health care professional advised of all products you are taking to help your hair loss condition, including herbal remedies and over the counter medications as well as prescription hair loss remedies.

Dealing with hair loss is rarely an easy decision, but it is important to give it the care it deserves. Treating a hair loss problem at the first sign of trouble can greatly maximize your choices for a true cure, but waiting until the problem has progressed further may leave you with far fewer options to get rid of that hair loss problem.

Source: http://www.ezinearticles.com/

Monday, September 04, 2006

FDA: Counterfeit Drugs on Some Web Sites

Testing revealed fake versions of Lipitor and other widely used prescription drugs ordered through Web sites linked to a Canadian pharmacy, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

Consumers who bought drugs through the 10 Web sites should not use the medications because they may not be safe, the FDA said. The sites include rxnorth.com, canadiandrugstore.com and rxbyfax.com.

Prescriptions ordered through the sites are filled by Mediplan Prescription Plus Pharmacy, also known as Mediplan Global Health, according to the FDA and information posted on the sites.

U.S. officials have intercepted and seized thousands of prescriptions filled by the pharmacy in recent months, said FDA Associate Commissioner Randall Lutter. Subsequent testing has revealed counterfeit versions of the cholesterol drugs Lipitor and Crestor, as well as the painkiller Celebrex, blood-pressure medication Diovan, baldness treatment Propecia and five other prescription drugs, the FDA said.

"U.S. drug companies, along with the FDA, are really starting to target companies like ours. These allegations are completely false," said Andrew Strempler, the president and chief executive of Mediplan Global Health. Strempler added that his company regularly tests the drugs it sells, and that they are safe and reliable.

The FDA said its own tests showed some of the drugs contained the active ingredients found in genuine versions, but at lower concentrations. That could put patients at risk, Lutter said. The FDA testing is ongoing.

"We are investigating, and if there are any safety concerns, we will be sure to alert the public," said Paul Duchesne, a spokesman for Canada's federal health department. Staff Sgt. Steve Saunders of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the national police service was aware of the FDA release but could not comment, citing privacy law and agency policy.

Consumers who ordered drugs through the Mediplan-linked Web sites should talk to their doctors and get their prescriptions refilled, Lutter said.

Canadian Internet pharmacies catering to American customers debuted roughly six years ago, after busloads of U.S. border-state seniors began venturing north in search of lower-priced prescription drugs.

Drugs ordered through the Mediplan-linked sites and intercepted by U.S. officials were not shipped from Canada, Lutter said.

Strempler said the drugs his company sells generally are produced for Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. He declined to say from which countries the company ships.

"I hesitate to put that information out there because it's another way they target us," he said.

Importing drugs into the United States is illegal, though the FDA generally does not stop small shipments purchased for personal use. The FDA says it cannot guarantee the safety and efficacy of imported drugs.

News Source: http://www.wvva.com/

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Could scientists finally be on to a cure for baldness?

Research work carried out on mice at the University of Manchester has thrown up clues as to why some men go bald, something that could give both pharmacists and hair care manufacturers opportunities to break the male pattern baldness puzzle.

According to the university, headed up by Dr. Denis Headon, the research team has uncovered the molecular process that determines which embryonic skin cells form into hair follicles.

The researchers say that their findings are of primary interest for research into the disease ectodermal dysplasia – a condition where skin cells fail to develop into tissues that determine hair follicles.

But secondary to this path of research, the stud should also help to determine research into male-pattern baldness.

"The research - while not directly linked to male-pattern baldness - should be of interest to pharmaceutical companies working in this field as understanding the molecular processes at work during follicle development could provide clues as to why follicles shrink and hair growth diminishes in certain men as they get older," said Dr. Headon.

Headon's team has discovered that the ability of skin cells to turn into other types of cells that form hair is determined by three proteins that are produced by genes.

"Our research has identified how one of these proteins working outside of the cell interacts at a molecular level to determine an individual's hair pattern as the embryonic skin spatially organises itself," said Dr. Headon.

The team discovered that cells given the genetic command to become hair follicles send signals to other cells to prevent them from doing otherwise, producing specific hair-loss patterns.

Likewise, the research discovered that by hyperactivating the hair protein in mice, the resulting offspring led to mice pups with more hair.

Currently the market for hair loss treatments is estimated to be worth $1 billion dollar, and is one that involves most of the major hair care providers to various extents.

An estimated 40 per cent of men have noticeable hair loss by the time they reach 35, a figure that rises to 65 per cent by the age of 60.

Although a vast array of topical hair loss applications exist, the most effective treatments are considered to be pharmaceutical products such as Propecia and Rogaine.

News Source: http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/news/ng.asp?n=70243-baldness-hair-loss-treatment

 
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