Archive for December, 2007

How is Male Pattern Baldness Diagnosed by a Physician?

Monday, December 24th, 2007

Most often, male pattern baldness is diagnosed solely based on the pattern and appearance of the hair. Your physician will evaluate the amount of hair loss you have, as well as look into your family medical history. This is because male pattern baldness is often an inherited trait.

Your physician may ask you questions about the commonness of male pattern baldness in your family. Once your physician has talked with you, a skilled dermatologist may examine, under magnification, your scalp. This will allow the dermatologist to evaluate the amount of reduction that is seen in the hair follicles. It is this assessment that is usually the main deciding factor regarding the right course of treatment to take.

There are medical clinics that advertise an expensive scalp biopsy or a hair analysis to diagnose hair loss. The only time that someone needs to have a scalp biopsy is to assess whether hair loss is poison induced - this is very rare. One should avoid these so-called “medical clinics” and seek the advice of their physician or a dermatologist that is board certified.

Oftentimes, depending on the amount of hair loss, a physician will recommend an oral treatment like Propecia. Propecia is a hair loss treatment that gets down to the root cause of the problem.  By blocking the hormones that cause hair loss, Propecia is highly effective at stopping any further hair loss from occurring. If you are concerned about hair loss, it is crucial that you talk with your physician. Only a physician can prescribe Propecia. The sooner you start your Propecia treatment, the better you – and your hair -will feel.

The Rumor Mill: Propecia Causes Depression

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007

Whenever a new treatment is released onto the market, there are always rumors about potential side effects. Propecia, an effective oral medicine that treats hair loss, has not been an exception. There have been recent reports that depression is one of the side effects of Propecia.  However, this is not true.   

In clinical trials, there has been no evidence that links depression as a common or even a rare side effect that could occur while taking Propecia.  A clinical trial is a type of study that is designed to better understand if a new medication, like Propecia works and what the possible side effects could be. Depression has not been listed in these studies as a side effect of Propecia.

When a medication like Propecia is approved and a broader group starts to take the medication, then more side effects can arise. This is because more is exposed about the nuances of the medication as it is taken by millions of people for a long period of time. This is the time when more side effects are reported and the rumor mill swirls with false beliefs.

However, it has not been proven at this time that Propecia is linked with depression. Before you start to take Propecia, make sure to talk with your physician. Bring up any concerns that you may have and put the rumor mill to rest. Sometimes new side effects are reported. Make sure to ask your doctor, during the course of your treatment, about any new findings. Propecia is a safe prescription medication that is effective at treating hair loss in men.

Does Propecia Cause You to Gain Weight?

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

Some men have reported concerns about weight that they gained while taking Propecia to treat their hair loss.  However, weight gain is not one of the known side effects in Propecia.  Information that has come from extensive research and clinical trials does not discuss weight gain as a side effect of taking Propecia.  

Even though weight gain was not a reported side effect, if you do notice that you have gained weight while on Propecia, there are steps that you can take. If you experience an unexplained weight gain, it is important that you make sure that you are eating a healthy diet.

It is recommended that you eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and beans. Make sure that you put a limit on the amount of trans fat, saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, and cholesterol that you consume.

Weight gain can be reduced by participating in a physical activity, three to four times a week, for thirty minutes at a time. Also, limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Alcohol is usually very high in calories. If you take all of these steps and are still experiencing an increase in weight, then you should talk with your doctor.

Propecia is an effective treatment that is used to stop male pattern baldness. There is a less then one percent chance that someone taking Propecia would experience an unexplained weight gain. If you do, then follow the steps mentioned above, and that should prevent any further weight gain from happening.

What to Do For Hair Loss That Occurs Before the Age of 25

Friday, December 21st, 2007

While hair loss is generally associated with middle-aged men, younger men can also experience the first signs of hair loss.  This is often difficult to accept for young men. 

A man who suffered from hair loss at the age of 21 said that the first advice his doctor provided was not to panic; male pattern baldness is a very common condition that is programmed into our genes. 

At times, a physician will request that a parent or a guardian become involved, first-hand, in the decision making process - especially if the patient is a minor. A minor that suffers from hair loss needs to discuss their concerns with both their parent and their physician. One of the keys to success, for a minor, is that there is close parental support in choosing a hair loss regime, such as Propecia.

If you are under the age of 25 and are suffering from hair loss, it is crucial that you talk with you physician and determine if Propecia is right for you. Hair loss is a medical condition that must be treated in order to prevent further hair loss. People consider their hair to be a big part of their image and who they are. Take action before it is too late, and more damage is done to your hairline.

Many physicians will recommend a hair treatment program. Oftentimes, this type of program is extremely aggressive and uses a combination of effective hair treatments. A physician may recommend injections to stimulate the growth of hair, hair restoration, a DHT inhibitor, and other topical solutions.

Propecia works well with other hair loss treatments. When you talk with your doctor, ask him or her if Propecia is right for you. Propecia has helped thousands of men, young and old, re-grow new hair and regain their confidence.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Physician Before Taking Generic Propecia?

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

The Internet has made it very easy for people to order generic Propecia at discount prices. Before you order generic Propecia, it is important that you ask your doctor the following questions.

1)      Is generic Propecia the right treatment for my hair loss?

2)      Are there any drug interactions or side effects that are directly associated with generic Propecia?

3)      How can I reduce the drug interactions and side effects of generic Propecia?

4)      How does generic Propecia differ from the name brand product manufactured by Merck?

5)      What types of food must be avoided while taking generic Propecia?

For example, soy isoflavones and saw palmetto supplements can interact with Propecia. Also, there have been cases where blood pressure medication can interact with generic Propecia.  For other patients, blood pressure medicine has intensified the impact of Propecia side effects.

If you have been diagnosed with a disease related to the kidneys, you should tell your physician before you start to take generic Propecia. The dosage level may have to be adjusted depending on your age and the state of your current health. 

Usually generic medications often work just as well as the name brands.  However, it is important to check with your Physician before taking any type of medication. Generic Propecia, even when ordered online, requires a prescription from a doctor.

Most doctors are more than happy to prescribe Propecia or another hair loss treatment in order to treat your receding hairline, thinning, or growing bald spot.  Make sure to ask your doctor all of the questions mentioned above. In most cases, generic Propecia is a safe and effective treatment for male pattern baldness.