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• Hair Loss at 25, Need To Find an Low Cost Treatment

  In Hair Loss, Hair Loss Treatments, Q & A / By The Bald Truth / 27 July 2008

  Hello, my name is J.Freeman. I am 25 years old and have been noticing hair loss for approximately a year. I do not have insurance and cannot afford Propecia treatments. I am also concerned about the side affect that come along with it. I was hoping to get information on a inexpensive hair growth regimen.
  ——

  Dear J,

  The truth is, if you are contending with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) your first line of attack should always be to take the hormonal route. Propecia is an extremely effective drug that stops or slows the progression of hair loss in the vast majority of men who use it. There is also a relatively large percetage of men who receive significant cosmetically appreciable regrowth. By not using this incredibly effective treatment, it is my opinion that you are doing yourself a great disservice. Just so you know, insurance does not cover Propecia, so even if you had good health coverage you would still be responsible for paying for it out of pocket.

  With that said, in most parts of the country, Propecia will cost approximately $55 / month. If your hair loss concerns you to the point where you seeking treatment, it would be my suggestion to perhaps forgo a dinner out once a month so that you can afford this relatively inexpensive treatment.

  If this is absolutely out of the question then you could aways give generic minoxidil a try. Generic minoxidil cost approximately $20 / month. Whatever you do, do not waste your hard earned money on any of the countless, questionable hair loss products you see being advertised on the internet, late night television infomercials, or on the radio.

  As far as your concern for the side effects of Propecia, any reported side effects occurred in less than 2% of those patients taking the drug during clinical trials. If for some reason you were to experience any adverse side effects you could always stop taking the medication. It is also important to note that approximately 60% of those that did experience side effects only experienced them temporarily, and were able to continue taking the medication.

  I wish there were more hair loss treatment options available, unfortunately the above mentioned are the only two FDA approved hair loss treatments. If you haven’t already consulted with a physician, it is imperative to receive a professional medical diagnosis before considering either of the two treatments I suggested.

  Hope this helps.

  Spencer Kobren
  Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
  Founder, American Hair Loss Association
  Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)

   

• New Study Links Pollution To Hair Loss

  In Articles, Hair Loss / By Spencer Kobren / 26 July 2008

  British newspaper website The Telegraph has reported that in some individuals hair loss might be attributed to environmental factors such as pollution. The story examines a recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, which concludes that both internal factors, such as genes, and external factors in the environment can cause or contribute to hair loss.

  Researchers from the University of London were able to connect air pollution and smoking to balding trends. They found that such pollutants actually inhibit the very mechanisms that make hair. Their findings have left many hopeful that new and more effective treatments for hair loss can be developed based on this information.

  According to the article “Pollution sends men bald,” by Jasper Copping, “Baldness is known to be hereditary, but the new research suggests that environmental factors could exacerbate hair loss.” The article goes on to explain that hair loss sufferers may be able to alleviate their symptoms by not smoking and by living in areas with cleaner air.

  The study was conducted by removing hair follicles from men who were experiencing hair loss. The follicles were then studied in labs. Researchers found that oxidative stress was interrupting normal hair growth. They concluded that hair loss is worsened by both air pollution and the effects of smoking.

  There will be further research and tests to identify additional details about how environmental factors affect hair growth and baldness. Also, the research team will be looking for ways to grow hair in different types of environments.

  The hope is that these new findings will help medical professionals better treat patients who are suffering from hair loss.

  Click to read entire article.