Propecia Today, Hair Tomorrow
By targeting hormones, Propecia prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth through reversing the conversion of testosterone into DHT in males. DHT causes scalp follicles to shrink to such an extent that, over time, no viable hair is produced. This process, considered by some a genetic aging marker, affects primarily older men, but can affect men as young as 17 if the genetic factors for balding are present in both parents. This is particularly true if the gene is expressive, rather than recessive, in the female parent; in fact, 25% of women experience balding before menopause, rising to 38% after menopause. However, Propecia is not recommended for women, due to the risk of a specific birth defect.
Genes as Hair Restoration Therapy
Researchers are now working on a gene-based hair restoration product. Originally targeted at chemotherapy patients who have lost their hair, it may – if proven effective – widen its scope to address androgenetic alopecia (and several other forms of balding, including alopecia universalis, or total loss of body hair). The danger here is that – unlike Propecia, which simply alters body chemistry – the new drug will actually enter the gene pool, making permanent, irreversible, and possibly species-threatening changes.
Scientists have already discovered the first genetic mutation associated specifically with hair loss. Located in the short arm of chromosome 8, it is a single gene influencing multiple traits. It also has an unknown transcription factor – that is, no one knows what other traits it effects aside from hairlessness. Changing the gene, or modifying it, may theoretically affect eyesight, trigger other aging genes, or make the population sterile.
Propecia’s Safety Record
Propecia has shown a tremendous safety record, especially compared to the potential complications of gene therapy. Propecia produces negative side effects in only 2% of users (primarily allergic reactions, and secondary sexual effects like reduced libido and ejaculation potential). These effects declined to .03% of users by the 5th year on a Propecia regimen.
Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is thought to affect about 60% of the population of US males. Stress and diet may be factors in hair loss. Males in third world countries (where vegetables are a staple) experience considerably less hair loss. Japan, a more Westernized country, did not experience baldness until after World War II – though some suspect a link to radiation damage, which is known to cause genetic mutations. Metabolic syndrome, which associates diabetes, obesity, and the lipid (cholesterol) component of cardiovascular disease, may be a significant factor in hair loss.
Propecia’s role
Propecia attacks the root of the problem, which has been identified as testosterone metabolism. By preventing the buildup of DHT, which attaches to hair follicles in the scalp, Propecia corrects or reverses the process of male pattern baldness. It does not alter genes or hormone production.
Hormones, however, are linked to the problem in more ways than one. Men in developed nations consume, as a rule, fewer vegetables and grains, which contain phytoestrogens (natural, plant-based estrogens). Developed nations have a greater burden of xenoestrogens (the artifacts of plastic manufacture or the decay process of pesticides and steroids used in livestock).
Researchers investigating ecoestrogen’s role in the carcinogenicity of a pesticide discovered that – while shaved mice treated with estrogen did not regrow hair – mice treated with an estrogen blocker developed a full coat of hair within 4 weeks. Clearly, ecoestrogens play a role in hair growth. Preventing them at this point is futile; they have entered the food chain in such a degree, and for so long a time, that the air and water are permeated.
At this time, Propecia remains the only proven effective remedy for male pattern baldness, unless you can quit your job, move to a desert island, give up all your electronic toys, and eat the local vegetation. Until such time, keep using Propecia to keep your baldness at bay and resume hair growth.