Hairloss PI

Archive for June, 2010

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a condition that affects as many as 50 percent of men by the age of fifty, but according to a new study, baldness may soon be a treatable condition.

Using pairs of identical twins, the study assessed the efficacy of dutasteride, a particular enzyme inhibitor, as a means of reducing hair loss and encouraging new growth, finding it to be an effective means of combating baldness.

In the study, one of each pair of twins was given 0.5 mg/day of the medication, the other receiving a placebo, with the results monitored over the course of a year. After both 6 and 12-month intervals, hair loss was found to not only have been halted in twins using dutasteride, but hair growth was actively improved. The rate of growth increased between the 6 and 12-month evaluations, while hair loss continued steadily in the placebo group.

MPHL is thought to be genetically controlled. As identical twins share the same genetic code, the study provides particularly convincing evidence of the efficacy of dutasteride.

Saw palmetto may be a man's best friend. It's the primary herb helping men maintain prostate health that's very popular throughout Europe for its ability to relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as enlargement of the prostate. In the U.S. where pharmaceuticals are the standard of care for prostate problems, saw palmetto is gaining popularity following several recent studies showing it provides relief from short-term urinary symptoms and other symptoms of BPH, as well as relief from inflammation of the prostate and cell proliferation. It also promotes hair growth in men with thinning hair or baldness. It provides these benefits safely, naturally and with no noted side effects.

Saw palmetto, botanically known as Serenoa repens or as sabal palm in Europe, is a magnificent palm tree that grows naturally in Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. The therapeutic compound comes from the berries of the plant. Historical use of the herb can be traced in the Americas to the Mayans who used it as a tonic and to the Seminoles who took it as an expectorant and antiseptic.

Saw Palmetto prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT

The herb possesses several mechanisms of action, with the primary action relating to prostate health being its ability to inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme which converts testosterone, the male sex hormone, to a more potent metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In addition, it blocks receptor sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT. An excess of DHT is believed one of the primary causes of prostate problems as well as the cause of male baldness.

Recent research documents the health benefits of saw palmetto

In a study reported in the Journal of Urology, men with BPH obtained significant short-term symptom relief with saw palmetto. Ninety-two men between the ages of 49 and 75 with lower urinary tract symptoms were divided into two groups, one treated with two soft gels of saw palmetto, and the other treated with a placebo. Both groups were treated for a twelve week period. Maximum urinary flow was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the placebo group, and urinary resistance was significantly lower. Yet mean prostate volume was comparable in the two groups.

The American Family Physician journal reported a diagnosic and management review of BHP. They found that through its ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, saw palmetto as well as rye grass pollen extract, and pygeum relieved symptoms such as urinary hesitancy, weak stream, nocturia, incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

A review of literature published in Archivio Italiano di Andrologia found that saw palmetto, lycopene and selenium, the three most widely used compounds in treatment of the prostate, have a common feature which may be a dual activity on proliferative disorders as well as on inflammatory conditions at the level of the prostate gland.

A study reported in Anticancer Research investigated the effect of an extract of saw palmetto on hormone sensitive and insensitive prostate and breast cancer cells, and urinary bladder, colon and lung cancer cells in order to assess its growth inhibitory abilities. They found that saw palmetto extract induced a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on all the human malignant cells tested.

Saw Palmetto reduces male pattern hair loss

Male hair loss can often be attributed to the conversion of testosterone to DHT promoted by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. DHT causes hair thinning by shrinking the follicles in the scalp, which results over a period of time in the follicles being far too small for hair to grow, resulting in baldness.

The link between DHT and hair loss has been well established, with numerous clinical studies and surveys concluding that this hormone can be directly linked as a cause of as many as 95% of all cases of hair loss. The studies have shown that this condition is genetically linked, with excessive production of DHT being passed from generation to generation. It is this condition that is targeted by pharmaceutical products such as propecia (finasteride), and rogaine (minoxidil).

While the testosterone to DHT conversion creates hair loss on the head, it also promotes the growth of hair in places where it is not wanted. By preventing this hormonal conversion, saw palmetto is showing in research to be effective in the treatment of male hair loss. It is able to get the hair off men's backs and back on their heads. Some studies have shown it to be as effective as Propecia and Rogaine. This aspect of saw palmetto was discovered by people using it for prostate issues who started reporting the regrowth of hair on their heads.

Shampoos and lotions containing saw palmetto are available at health food stores and on line. Saw Palmetto is available as a supplement. The dosage amount for men is 300 to 500 mg. per day. Saw palmetto has been shown in research to be non-toxic and safe for extended use.

Saw Palmetto is not the only herb able to influence prostate health

Several other herbs and plant compounds are potentially useful in maintaining prostate health, including pygeum, nettle, beta sitosterol, and carotenoids such as lycopene. Health of the prostate gland is heavily influenced by the overall health of the body. It's hard to find a sick prostate gland in a body otherwise possessing excellent health. Following the basics for general health will go along way in promoting prostate health.

Pygeum is an African plum tree found in tropical Africa. An extract from the bark of pygeum has been used in Europe as a prevention and treatment of prostate disorders including BPH. More recently in the U.S. pygeum has been marketed along side saw palmetto for prostate health and cancer prevention and treatment.

An interesting study reported in Endocrine tested the anti-cancer potential of pygeum in vitro and in vivo. In tissue culture, pygeum extract inhibited the growth of cancerous cells, induced appropriate programmed cell death and altered cell kinetics, down regulated ER-alpha and PKC-alpha protein, and demonstrated the ability to bind with estrogen and androgen receptors. Mice fed with pygeum showed a significant reduction in prostate cancer incidence of 35% compared to controls. Researchers concluded pygeum is a useful supplement for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer.

Laser therapy for hairloss has been an idea researched for several years with a variety of products currently available. The first laser therapy devices were large bulky devices that were sold to salons and hairloss clinics for in-store use. Now a portable, personal device for this type of therapy is available.

Laser stimulation of the follicle and surrounding skin is used to increase energy and cell health of the treated areas as well as increase circulation. Usage is 1 or 2 times per week.

The LaserComb complies with FDA requirements as a cosmetic laser device for hair, meaning it meets the FDAs safety standards for a laser device and has a cosmetic effect to strengthen, thicken, or improve existing hair. The company that makes the LaserComb says they will be initiating clinical trials for FDA approval for the device as a hair regrowth treatment.

Initial observation are very encouraging.

None known. FDA approved for safety as a laser device. Low level laser is used in a wide range of healing applications.

$645. Payment options available.

MR CHRISTIAN Jessen is the kind of man who knows all about embarrassment. The presenter of Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies, he has dealt with every condition from anal fissures to zits.

But it turns out he has been suffering from his own shameful condition. It was revealed this month he had undergone a hair transplant to thicken his barnet and bring forward his high hairline. The procedure involved taking hair from the back of the head and re-planting strands one by one in the front.

"I had a local anaesthetic and then everyone operating peers at your head for seven hours. It's not painful but it is uncomfortable."

Footballer Ryan Giggs, too, is reported to have spent £6,000 on laser treatment to encourage his follicles to regrow, while rugby player Austin Healey and cricketer Shane Warne are also said to have had the treatment.

And while Jessen insists his hairline wasn't receding, he simply wanted to alter its shape, men all over the country are embarrassed by their own thinning locks. But how to combat this most universal of complaints?

OLD WIVES' TALES

It's not just men who suffer from hair loss. Queen Victoria apparently glugged back silver birch wine made from the sap of the tree, believing it would cure her increasing baldness. There is no record of how successful this particular recipe was for the monarch.

Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan claims it's washing his hair in Guinness that keeps his so lush and healthy. "They sell all those lotions to cure you of baldness… they don't work. There is only one way to cure baldness – you pour Guinness over your head, collect it in a bucket and drink it in the morning," he says. "It's proven to work."

MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

The US's Food and Drug Administration has approved two treatments: Rogaine (also known as Minoxidil) and Propecia (also known as Finasteride). The former was initially used to treat blood pressure, but was found to promote hair growth as a side-effect. It is sold over the counter, applied to the scalp twice a day and can take up to four months to work. Around two-thirds of those who use it report some regrowth. The latter is taken in pill form and is only available on private prescription from your doctor. It is successful in around 80 per cent of cases, but it can take six months before there is any visible signs of improvement. The benefits of both only continue for as long as you use the product.

NATURAL REMEDIES

Massaging coconut milk or almond oil – or a combination of the two – into the scalp twice a week is said to be an effective solution. Others claim positive results from using lime seeds powdered with pepper and mixed with milk. The pepper is supposed to irritate the skin, causing histamines to be released, which can encourage the production of follicles.

Boiling rosemary and sage together and using it as a rinse after shampooing is claimed to end long resting stages in the cycle of hair growth, while aloe vera balances the scalp's pH and helps activate the enzymes responsible for natural hair growth.

Or you could always rub an onion on your bonce – the high sulphur content stimulates circulation, apparently.

LASER COMB

Proven by medical research to be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness, the HairMax LaserComb helps increase blood flow and circulation in the scalp, causing the weakened follicles to strengthen and produce healthy hair, as well as preventing further hair loss.

An FDA-supervised study included men

aged between 30 and 60 who had been experiencing active hair loss within the last year. Their progress was measured over 26 weeks, after which time they had significantly increased hair density compared with those in the control group, and none experienced any side-effects.

The comb costs around £300.

HYPNOSIS

Some people swear by hypnosis as a cure for hair loss, but it remains controversial among its critics.

A study of 28 people with alopecia found that, following treatment, all had much lower levels of stress and depression, while 12 experienced hair regrowth of between 75 and 100 per cent after three to eight sessions. Complete regrowth was recorded in nine of those, while five experienced a significant relapse after the research project.

However, because this was a small study with no placebo group to measure results against, the jury is still out on how effective it really is.

THE FUTURE

Research into hair cloning could signal hope for those plagued by baldness. Where transplants transfer single follicles from one place to another, this method would allow scientists to harvest stem cells from a healthy hair follicle, causing it to multiply. The new cells could then be re-implanted into a follicle in a bald patch to grow new hair.

The ethical debate on stem cell research is still raging, however, and the procedure is being studied carefully, so while at one time experts thought it might be available by this year, it could now be another decade.

Gene therapy, meanwhile, could eventually identify the genes responsible for hair loss in the first place, then modify them to stop them in their tracks. Just don't expect to see this treatment available at your local GP any time soon

Hair loss research study shows the benefits of a novel combination of two FDA Approved topical medications. This triple blind controlled hair loss prevention study highlights a remarkable new finding.

Dr. Oscar Klein M.D. today announced the results of a triple blind hair loss research study involving two FDA approved hair growth medications: Minoxidil and Finesteride.

Three groups of individuals were used in the study: Group I was the placebo group, Group II applied 5% Minoxidil lotion, Group III applied 5% Minoxidil lotion, 0.025% tretinoin (Retin A) and 0.1% Finesteride. The subjects were evaluated every six months with the help of a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs.

In the Placebo Group, there was neither any improvement nor deterioration. In the Minoxidil Group 25% of the subjects showed hair growth. In the Combination Group as much as 75% of the subjects showed improvement. The quality of the newly grown hair was also better in the combination group.

According to Dr. Klein, “The significance of this study cannot be over emphasized." This study serves as the basis for Dr. Klein's development of ProMox™ - one of the most exciting hair loss products available for men.

Dr Klein is known for creating unique and innovative hair growth treatments for men and women by combining real world client results with ongoing product research and development. Dr Klein offers ongoing consultations for his clients. He listens closely to their hair growth product experiences and monitors their progress.

This study may have focused on male pattern baldness, but it has implications for hair loss in women. Dr Klein created a product called ReMox™ which is a combination of 5% Monoxidil and 0.025% tretinoin (Retin A). Dr. Klein's exclusive, easily absorbed ReMox™ formula gives far superior results than competing topical remedies for up to HALF the cost.

Dr Klein is committed to helping his clients achieve their desired hair growth results and offers a no cost, private, confidential consultation in order to create an individualized treatment program.

Follica has raised more money for its quest against hair follicle disorders like male pattern baldness. The biotech startup, which is developing drugs that could spur the formation of new hair follicles, has raised $7.5 million in equity financing, according to an SEC filing.

Daphne Zohar, a Follica co-founder and managing director at PureTech Ventures in Boston, says the funding mentioned in the SEC filing is part of the startup’s Series B round of funding. The new cash came from Follica’s previous backers, which include PureTech, InterWest Partners, of Menlo Park, CA, and Waltham, MA-based Polaris Venture Partners. The Series B round was initially announced as an $11 million financing back in 2008, but Zohar says that was not the actual amount raised at the time and this latest infusion of capital brings the total round to $13 million. (Editor’s note: this paragraph was changed from the originally published version to include additional details from Zohar about the total amount raised in Follica’s second round of financing.)

“The investors are pleased,” Zohar said. “Things are going really well—it’s really exciting.”

Exactly how much progress Follica has made in developing a new hair-loss therapy, or whether baldness is the number-one target in its pipeline, Zohar wouldn’t say. The policy of the firm, she said, has been not to comment in detail on R&D activities.

I did learn from Zohar that the company’s headquarters are now in Mendham, NJ, and have been since drug industry veteran William Ju took over as the firm’s CEO last year. Yet the firm continues to conduct drug-delivery and device research as well as corporate development in Boston, she said. Ju was not immediately available for comment this afternoon.

Unfortunately, this funding news doesn’t provide any new clues about whether Follica is much closer to bringing to market a treatment for baldness. Judging from the frenzy of interest in our previous Follica posts, it’s clear that many people are excited about the firm’s approach of generating new follicles to grow shoots of hair. Its technology, which is licensed from the University of Pennsylvania, could also be used to deliver permanent removal of unwanted hair.

If anything, we could hold out hope that more money for Follica means it has a greater chance of advancing its much-anticipated treatments for hair loss.

Male-pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate go hand in hand, Spanish researchers reported Monday at a San Francisco meeting of the American Urological Assn.  The findings hint that early hair loss could be sign that men are going to develop prostate disease and that preventive treatment should be begun, they said.

Male pattern baldness, formally known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is associated with higher-than-normal levels of an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase, which converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Baldness results from a genetic defect that renders hair follicles more susceptible to the influence of dihydrotestosterone, causing them to shrink when exposed to it. The enzyme also plays a role in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and researchers have long speculated about a link between the two conditions. In fact, Propecia, a drug that is used to combat hair loss, contains the same ingredient -- finasteride -- as Proscar, which is used to prevent or treat BPH. It inhibits 5-alpha-reductase.

The Spanish researchers studied 30 men with early-onset male pattern baldness and compared them to a group of men with full heads of hair. None of the participants had been diagnosed with BPH or were taking drugs to prevent it. Using ultrasound, the researchers found that the volume of the prostates was 34% larger in the bald men, while their urine flow was 32% lower, indicating that they had an early stage of BPH.

"BPH is a very treatable condition that can significantly impact quality of life if left unchecked," Dr. Kevin T. McVary, a urology association spokesman, said in a statement. "The study suggests that patients with [baldness] should talk with their doctors about any urinary symptoms they may be experiencing so that we can minimize this impact by taking preventative measures."

-- Thomas H. Maugh II

Introduction

Alopecia or hairloss is a chronic skin disorder characterized by loss of some or all of the hair from the scalp and sometimes from the other parts of the body as well. It occurs in various patterns and affects both males and females. The most common type of baldness is male-pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. It is characterized by a defined pattern of hairloss from the top of the scalp and regression of the hairline. It affects a large proportion of the population. It might start as early as adolescence and increase with age. In the white population, males in their fifties have a 50% chance of exhibiting some degree of androgenetic alopecia as against an overall average of 66%.¹

Genetic and endocrinal factors play an important role but the exact cause and mechanism of hairloss is not clearly understood.² Alopecia, except for mild itching in some cases, is not a painful or life threatening condition. It may affect the psychological wellbeing of the victim. Studies in this regard are not very exhaustive. They suggest that baldness is psychologically damaging and can cause intense emotional disturbance. It can lead to personal social and job-related problems.³ Hair has always been an important aspect of one's image or identity particularly for women.⁴ Among the women suffering from alopecia, around 40% experienced marital problems and 63% suffered career related problems.⁵ Over all such people feel more social discomfort, and suffer from low self-esteem. In more than 30% of the cases specific problems are attributed to hairloss.⁶

A study revealed that males who had more profound hairloss were more dissatisfied with their appearance and were more concerned with their older look than those with minimal hairloss. This effect cut across all age groups but was more prominent in the younger age group.⁷

Difficulties in treatment

Androgenetic alopecia is a poorly understood progressive condition. Androgenic hormones are involved in its pathophysiology. This renders treatment difficult and complex. The androgen receptor antagonists used to treat women are not suitable for men because of the potential risks of gynaecomastia, feminisation, and impotence. In the absence of an understanding of the pathophysiology, it is not possible to attack specific areas.

There are four options for androgenic alopecia available to the patient:

⁸

1. no treatment
2. medical therapy
3. using a wig
4. surgical treatment

Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. As far as medical treatment is concerned, the two that are approved by the FDA in the USA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men are:

1. Topical minoxidil
2. Oral finasteride

Minoxidil is an oral antihypertensive drug which has a side effect of excessive hair growth. It is used topically to treat baldness. Though it results in hair growth in most patients, the hair grown is generally indeterminate rather than true terminal hair. The hair sheds when treatment is stopped.9 Its main benefit is in arresting the progression of balding.

Finasteride is a potent 5á reductase type 2 inhibitor.10 Its main action is to lower circulating dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting its production by the prostate, rather than affecting the metabolism of the androgen in the hair follicle. Loss of libido is one of the important side effects of this oral therapy.

Synergistic effect of the local application of minoxidil finasteride

1. view of the different mechanisms of action, it was hypothesized that the simultaneous administration of both the molecules should have a synergistic action.
2. The side effects associated with the oral administration would also be reduced.
3. If the dosage of the individual drug could be reduced, it will further improve the safety profile of the therapy.

Clinical Study

The effect of the novel combination was observed in a study. The subjects were divided into three groups.

• Group I (Placebo Group) plain lotion was applied
• Group II (Minoxidil Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion was applied
• Group III (Combination Group) 5% Minoxidil lotion, 0.025% Tretinoin and 0.1% Finesteride were applied.

The important aspect of the study was the fact that none of the parties involved viz. the clinical / research staff, the study sponsors or the subjects in the three groups were aware of the various groups until the data was collected in the verified database. The subjects were evaluated every six months with the help of a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs.

Results

In the Placebo Group, there was neither any improvement nor deterioration. In the Minoxidil Group 25% of the subjects showed hair growth. In the Combination Group as much as 75% of the subjects showed improvement. Further, the quality of the newly grown hair was also better in the combination group.

Study Participant:

Discussion

This study indicates that topical application of Minoxidil and Finasteride leads to better hair growth. Combination therapy was thrice as effective as any one of them. These results were documented in a triple-blind clinical trial using a subjective questionnaire, objective examination and close-up photographs. The findings are statistically significant. The study design and objective evaluation rule out observer bias, a common source of error in clinical trials. The two drugs have different route of action and combined use allows for a dual action. It may also be possible to reduce the dose of each drug, decreasing their individual side-effects.

Conclusion

A combination therapy of Minoxidil and Finasteride shows great promise in the treatment of hitherto difficult condition Alopecia androgenetica. It may potentially become the main stay therapy in this condition.

References

1. Hamilton JB. Patterned loss of hair in man: Types and incidence. Ann NY Acad Sci 1951; 53:708-11.
2. Anjiki T, Suzuki S. An injection-corrosion study on the angioarchitecture of the rat skin. Jikken Dbutsu. 1991; 40(4):439-46.
3. Hunt N, McHale S. Reported experiences of persons with alopecia areata. J Loss Trauma 2005;10: 33-50.
4. Weitz R. Rapunzel's daughters: what women's hair tells us about women's lives. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2004.
5. Hunt N, McHale S. Understanding alopecia. London: Sheldon, 2004.
6. Passchier J, Donk JV, Dutree-Meulenenberg PO, Verhage F. Psychological Characteristics of Men With Alopecia Androgenetica and Effects of Treatment With Topical Minoxidil An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Dermatology.1988:27(6):441-446.
7. Girmana CJ, Rhodesa T, Lillyb FR, Guob SS, Siervogelb RM, Patrickc DL, Chumleab WC. Effects of Self-Perceived Hairloss in a Community Sample of Men. Dermatology 1998;197:223-229
8. Sinclair R. Fortnightly review: Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. BMJ. 1998;317;865-869
9. Olsen EA,Weiner MS. Topical minoxidil in male pattern baldness: effects of discontinuation of treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 1987;17:97 101.
10. Olsen E. Finasteride (1 mg) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men . Aust J Dermatol 1997;38;A316.

BACKGROUND: The field of hair transplantation has evolved considerably over the last quarter century. Performed correctly, the cosmetic results of contemporary hair transplantation are virtually undetectable in women and men. Large, pluggy "punch grafts" have been replaced with natural-appearing follicular unit grafts, which maintain their existing anatomy and with proper technique can match the orientation of surrounding hair follicles.

OBJECTIVE: To review all of the steps involved in hair transplantation surgery and to provide an overview of medications used in conjunction with transplantation to help prevent hair loss.

MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS: The authors review key aspects of the consultation, physical examination, selection of appropriate candidates, excision of donor area, hairline design, graft creation and placement, and postoperative instructions. The role of medications such as minoxidil and finasteride in preventing ongoing hair loss is an essential part of the treatment plan. For nonsurgical candidates, other treatments such as wigs, hairpieces, and camouflages are reviewed. Future trends may involve the use of low-level laser light therapy, dutasteride, and cloning of follicles.

CONCLUSION: Patients and physicians alike are pleased with the results of contemporary hair transplantation, and physicians can now recommend the procedure without reservation. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Could iron deficiency be key to baldness? The answer is yes, according to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, who reviewed scientific literature on the connection published over the past 40 years.

"If doctors can understand fully the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss, then they can help people regrow hair more effectively," study leader Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, head of clinical research in the department of dermatology, said in a prepared statement. "We believe that iron deficiency may be related to many forms of hair loss and that people may need higher levels of iron stores than previously thought to regrow hair."

The review of data suggests that iron deficiency may be linked to several of the most common kinds of hair loss. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest universal screening for iron deficiency in hair-loss patients and further research is required, the researchers said.

The findings appear in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency. It can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, excessive menstrual bleeding, and other forms of blood loss. Treatment includes adequate dietary intake of iron and, when appropriate, iron supplements.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic routinely screen for iron deficiency in patients with hair loss. If iron deficiency is detected and treated in the early stages, patients may be able to grow hair more effectively, the researchers said.

They might not always admit it, but for many men losing their hair is one of their greatest worries. It can be a blow to their self-esteem and self-image.

Unfortunately, hair loss is a common problem; about half of all men by the age of 50 (and more than three quarters by the age of 70) will develop so-called 'male pattern' baldness, or androgenic alopecia.

Men who are going bald have several options – drug treatments, hairpieces or hair transplants. Alternatively, they can ignore it and learn to live with their receding hairline, or go the whole hog and shave the remainder of their hair off.

But none of these options are particularly effective, it seems; most men report that the baldness cures they try don't work.

That's according to a survey published in Consumer Reports, the magazine of the US non-profit consumer rights group, Consumers Union (similar to Choice in Australia).

Consumer Reports did an online survey of 6,248 men, ranging in age from about 20 to over 90. Men were asked about their hair loss and any treatments they tried, and how happy they were with the outcomes of these treatments. (Any men whose hair loss was related to a chronic illness or chemotherapy were excluded from the survey.)

Widespread dissatisfaction

What the researchers found was widespread dissatisfaction with baldness treatments, and with hair restoration products in particular.

The treatment that respondents rated as most effective was the prescription pill finasteride (trade name Propecia). This drug blocks the formation of dihydrotestosterone, the male sex hormone thought to cause male pattern baldness. (In Australia, this medication is available only by prescription from a doctor, taken as a tablet once a day.)

But overall satisfaction levels with finasteride were low; just 27 per cent of men said it was very effective.

Minoxidil, another common remedy, also fared poorly with respondents. It comes as a lotion and is available over the counter from pharmacies. Men massage minoxidil into their dry scalp twice a day. It's thought to increase blood flow to the hair follicle cells and stimulate them, thereby promoting new hair growth.

The survey showed minoxidil was mainly ineffective and better suited to people with very recent hair loss. Only 4 per cent of respondents said it was very effective, with 43 per cent saying it was not effective at all.

Complaints about side effects – such as a dry, itchy, or irritated scalp – were common with both finasteride and minoxidil.

Non-pharmaceutical cures fared even worse. Dietary and herbal supplements advertised as baldness cures were rated very effective by only 6 per cent of respondents.

Only 4 per cent of men surveyed underwent hair transplants; but of these, 49 per cent were satisfied with the results. However, hair transplants (in which hair follicles are surgically removed from areas of high growth in a person's scalp to areas of low growth) were found to be expensive and the procedure often had to be repeated.

Men were also asked about cosmetic ways of improving their appearance.

• About 65 per cent said wearing a wig or toupee was effective
• 46 said they were happy with simply shaving their scalp
• 46 reported dressing better to compensate for baldness
• 44 per cent said they exercised to improve their body appearance.

Australian experience

Professor Rodney Sinclair, from the Department of Dermatology at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, says the results are not surprising and are broadly similar to the experience of men in Australia.

He says the drugs used to regrow hair can be effective, but they are slow-acting and may cause only partial regrowth.

This is particularly the case where hair loss is advanced, he says. "There comes a point at which there is too much hair loss for regrowth to occur," he says.

Also, regrowth doesn't continue indefinitely; "with these drugs you tend to see regrowth in the first year or so, but not after that," he says.

What people often don't realise is that these drugs also prevent hair loss; but people may not give the treatment credit for this, he points out.

So the drugs can be effective but people do need to temper their expectations.

Sinclair says for many men a transplant is a good option, but in these cases, the hair loss must not be too advanced or there may not be enough hair follicles to transplant.

The Consumer Reports researchers say the market for baldness remedies plays to a particularly vulnerable segment of society - those in search of a quick fix.

Given the high levels of dissatisfaction with baldness cures, men should make sure they do their homework before trying treatments, the researchers say.

The Genetic Test for Hair Loss is a simple painless non-invasive procedure that determines an individual’s genetic susceptibility to baldness.

Pune, June 24th 2010:  Most medical conditions can best be addressed with early diagnosis. Genetic hair loss is no different. Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, India’s only multi-national chain of diagnostics center, has developed a screening test to predict whether an individual is genetically predisposed to hereditary male and female pattern baldness.
After exhaustive research, the Molecular Biology department of Metropolis has developed the Genetic Test for Hair Loss that provides an accurate genetic analysis of a man or woman’s likelihood of developing Andogenetic Alopecia, the most common type of hair loss.

The test involves DNA analysis and determines whether an individual has inherited the receptor gene of ‘androgenetic alopecia’. The genetic screening test for the pattern of hair loss helps the doctor assess the risk involved and can provide one with an early medical intervention prior to visible signs of the same.  The genetic test costs Rs 9,000 and is most appropriate for people above 18 years of age who are concerned about hair loss or for those who have a family history of baldness.

The test is a simple non-invasive procedure which takes about a half a minute. The analysis uses a simple painless cheek swab that can determine the genetic risk of developing male and female hair loss.  The lab results are then entered into their unique genetic information system that determines whether or not they are at risk for early onset of male pattern baldness. If the results show high-risk that means there’s a 60 per cent probability of severe hair loss by the time an individual attains 40 years of age while low-risk means that the individual has an 80 per cent chance of not losing hair by age 60.

Says Ameera Patel, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd CEO and Executive Director, “Early detection or prediction of hair loss can help in recommending the most effective medication to prevent future hair loss and baldness.  The genetic test for hair loss will help an individual determine a genetic susceptibility to hair loss before thinning or receding hair becomes apparent.  The most obvious advantage of this test is that an individual doesn’t have to wait until they are in the midst of massive hair shedding.  Individuals can save precious time in halting hair loss because there is always a lag time between the onset and effect of the therapy to treat baldness. This test adds a vital new element to our professional diagnostic capabilities.  Any individual worried about losing hair can come to Metropolis for a simple, confidential predictive test.”
Customers can also call the Metropolis Helpline Number: 6650 5555 to know more details.