Question: I am a 31 year old man and losing the hair at my temples. I have tried using Rogaine for the past 4 years and my hair loss seems to be continuing. I am considering using Propecia but I wonder if there are any natural options I should be considering. I should also mention my work invokes a high amount of stress and I don’t see that subsiding any time soon. Any advice would be appreciated.

Male pattern baldness is a very common condition in men, and is typically identified by slow and progressive hair loss at the temples and crown of the head. It is caused by genetic, hormonal, aging, inflammatory, and autoimmune factors, and has no known cure. Although it is a cosmetic condition, it may cause much psychological distress, especially in men under the age of 50.

Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over-the-counter topical drug that is applied to the scalp, to help stimulate hair growth. It works in some men, by an unclear mechanism, but only on hair at the crown of the head. Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription oral tablet that works also only in some men, and only for hair at the crown or middle front of the head, not the receding hairline which most men easily see in the mirror.

Propecia works by reducing the amount of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) at the hair follicle, which at least partially has been shown to be involved in scalp hair loss in male pattern baldness. The problem is that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is an active metabolite of testosterone, and is responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. And, Propecia reduces DHT levels not only in the scalp, but in the blood as well. This explains why possible side-effects of Propecia are loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in semen production.

Dr. Proctor has developed a natural shampoo and thinning treatment which address the multiple causes of male pattern baldness, and may be worth a try. Definitely this is something to discuss with your integrative medicine physician.

Please also know that hair loss caused by stress occurs rapidly over a few months, and then grows back, and that you should see a dermatologist to rule out other causes of hair loss if your doctor doubts the diagnosis of male pattern baldness.

P.S. Let me know if anywhere on the Propecia website you see it mentioned that DHT means dihydrotestosterone.

1 Comment

Ais on March 28, 2012 at 4:42 pm

Here are some common Myths you mite want to look over in swenaring you question Male hair loss occurs because of something know as Androgenetic Alopecia, also know as male pattern baldness. It is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Sometimes hair loss can begin fairly early in a young man’s life, in his 20 s. When this happens, a man’s self confidence can be knocked substantially.Here are the best common Myths Myth No 1. Hair loss only comes from the mother’s side of the family. This means looking at the heads of your mum’s uncle or dad and if they are baldies then chances are you will be too. The condition can actually be inherited from either parent, however the maternal side of the family does influence the condition slightly more than the paternal side of the family.Myth No 2. Wearing hats cause hair loss. This is total codswallop and it’s most likely an idea that was born in the military. Young men in the service had to wear hats and eventually showed of thinning hair or going bald. But the age that young men enter the military is also the age that male pattern hair loss usually begins.Myth No 3. Male Pattern Baldness can be improved or prevented from a good nutritious diet. Unfortunately the foods you choose to eat have no bearing on the number of hairs on your head. That’s not to say that certain nutritional deficiencies can’t cause hair loss. For example iron, or iodine deficiencies.Myth No 4. Circulation. Poor circulation around the hair follicle is often blamed for hair loss. However, experiments have proven that an increase in blood flow does not grow hair.Myth No 5. Mites. This is a relatively new myth, but it’s totally ridiculous, especially given that homeless people and those living in third world countries generally have full heads of hair. Mites and organisms do dwell on the scalp, but they do not east hair or cause loss baldness in any way.Myth No 6. Stress Causes Hair Loss. Experts have never indicated that the most common form of baldness is linked in any way with emotional stress. Stress can, however, be the cause of alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in circular patches.Myth No 7. Massage can stimulate hair growth. This is quite the opposite in fact, as vigorous massage can cause hair to break easily.Myth No 8. Bald men are sexier and better lovers. Sorry bald men, but it’s not your amazing testosterone levels that cause hair loss, but rather DHT, a testosterone derivative that causes hair follicles to shut down.Myth No 9. Rubbing Marmite on your scalp promotes hair growth. No, no, no!I hope this has helped you in swenaring your question

Ais on March 28, 2012 at 4:42 pm

Here are some common Myths you mite want to look over in swenaring you question Male hair loss occurs because of something know as Androgenetic Alopecia, also know as male pattern baldness. It is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Sometimes hair loss can begin fairly early in a young man’s life, in his 20 s. When this happens, a man’s self confidence can be knocked substantially.Here are the best common Myths Myth No 1. Hair loss only comes from the mother’s side of the family. This means looking at the heads of your mum’s uncle or dad and if they are baldies then chances are you will be too. The condition can actually be inherited from either parent, however the maternal side of the family does influence the condition slightly more than the paternal side of the family.Myth No 2. Wearing hats cause hair loss. This is total codswallop and it’s most likely an idea that was born in the military. Young men in the service had to wear hats and eventually showed of thinning hair or going bald. But the age that young men enter the military is also the age that male pattern hair loss usually begins.Myth No 3. Male Pattern Baldness can be improved or prevented from a good nutritious diet. Unfortunately the foods you choose to eat have no bearing on the number of hairs on your head. That’s not to say that certain nutritional deficiencies can’t cause hair loss. For example iron, or iodine deficiencies.Myth No 4. Circulation. Poor circulation around the hair follicle is often blamed for hair loss. However, experiments have proven that an increase in blood flow does not grow hair.Myth No 5. Mites. This is a relatively new myth, but it’s totally ridiculous, especially given that homeless people and those living in third world countries generally have full heads of hair. Mites and organisms do dwell on the scalp, but they do not east hair or cause loss baldness in any way.Myth No 6. Stress Causes Hair Loss. Experts have never indicated that the most common form of baldness is linked in any way with emotional stress. Stress can, however, be the cause of alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in circular patches.Myth No 7. Massage can stimulate hair growth. This is quite the opposite in fact, as vigorous massage can cause hair to break easily.Myth No 8. Bald men are sexier and better lovers. Sorry bald men, but it’s not your amazing testosterone levels that cause hair loss, but rather DHT, a testosterone derivative that causes hair follicles to shut down.Myth No 9. Rubbing Marmite on your scalp promotes hair growth. No, no, no!I hope this has helped you in swenaring your question