• How Will Ashly Judd Feel About Rogaine Once She Starts Losing Her Hair?

    When Ashley Judd decided to recite a poem entitled ‘I Am a Nasty Woman’ written by 19 year old Nina Donovan at the Women’s March on Washington, it probably would have been a good idea for her “people” to take the time to research the veracity of its content. As a celebrity feminist/activist she was given an opportunity to make a real difference, to help influence hope and change and to inspire, educate and empower millions of women, instead she chose to regurgitate the writings of an ill-informed young person to punctuate her own, seemingly, less than informed message.

    This is proof positive that we are living in a “post – fact” society. We appreciate Ashley Judd’s passion, but someone has to provide some facts and, in our opinion, they are not going to be provided by Vogue or the mainstream media.

    Fact: 40% of hair loss sufferers are women. Rogaine or generic minoxidil is the most “prescribed” treatment for women with thinning hair. Rogaine as well as other OTC drugs are currently taxed in the following 33 states:
    Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois (subject to a low rate of tax), Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
    So to make it clear Rogaine is taxed in most states, just like tampons.

    Fact: According to the Cleveland Clinic research suggests that sexual dysfunction is more common in women than it is in men (43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of difficulty).

    Fact: The “little pink pill” flibanserin (Addyi), which is flying off the shelves, receives partial coverage from insurers, meaning if they pay for the erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, they pay for Addyi. If an individual’s health insurance does not cover these “lifestyle drugs” the only state in the nation that taxes prescription medication for both men and women is Illinois. So apparently our erections and sexual health are thought to be equally important as the sexual heath of women by every state in the nation, as well as all private insurers.

    Being hyperbolic to make a point is one thing, but not taking the time to do one’s due diligence before presenting manufactured stats and information as fact is not only irresponsible, but weakens what could have been a very powerful opportunity to tackle real inequity.

    ‘s The Bald Truth is internationally syndicated through the GFQ Network

     
  • And The Survey Says…Hair Loss Sucks!

    According to a national survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of the makers of Rogaine, Americans have a “surprising” lack of understanding concerning the prevalence, incidence, causes, and how to effectively treat hair loss. The survey concludes that more than 75 percent of Americans incorrectly cite stress as a leading cause of hair loss, while more than one-third think wearing a hat and over-styling hair can cause common male and female pattern baldness.

    So what if obesity is considered one of America’s biggest killers, leading to heart disease, diabetes and strokes? The stats say it all, “40 percent of married Americans would rather their spouse be overweight than bald!”

    While we appreciate the effort on the part of Wakefield Research and Rogaine to shed some light on society’s utter lack of knowledge and empathy when it comes to hair loss, we definitely think their time and resources could have been better spent. Hair loss sufferers make up the largest demographic of all human kind, yet in our opinion, the makers of Rogaine still can’t find a way to effectively educate hair loss consumers about a product that actually works. Read more ›

     
  • Currently Using Propecia, Minoxidil, Saw Palmetto, Nisim Etc. – Should I Stick With This Program?

    I have recently read your book “The Bald Truth” and a lot of the information contained is what I had already have been doing over the year, but it was good to have it reinforced (Great book by the way). I am a 32 year old male currently using Propecia, with minoxidil (periodically) and an assortment of supplements including saw palmetto, B vitamin complex , silica, zinc, EFA’s etc.. along with treatment shampoos such as Nisim and a 2% ketoconazole prescription one. I have been on this regime for about a year and a half and have been really strict with the Propecia, and on and off with the rest.

    I have noticed that although I have hair on top, it is really thin compared to the rest. When it’s wet it looks like plugs of hair which I never had a few years ago. It is also in the classic balding pattern on the entire top section of my head. I was just having doubts with what I am doing as it dosent seem that the medication is doing anything and I don’t feel I have regrown any hair to noticeable degree.

    I just wanted to ask if you recommend I should stick with this program, and if there was anything else I could do to aid my battle as I thought it would have had some effect by now. I was considering trying to switch to Avodart, as it seems to be more potent, but then it is still pending approval from the FDA which makes me cautious.

    Any information you would have would be greatly appreciated as I find looking on the Net, a bit of a mindfield of contradicting arguments. It really gets me down some days that I feel I have no control over this.

    Thank you in advance,
    Paul

    ——————–

    Dear Paul,

    You are correct concerning researching hair loss treatments on the internet, it is a minefield. The vast majority of hair loss information that’s provided on the web is complete crap. In my opinion and in the opinion of most experts, the products and services being promoted, even on websites appearing to be legitimate, are questionable at best.

    Before I continue, I would like to make clear that I am NOT a physician and this information is my opinion based on over a decade of experience being a consumer advocate for men and women suffering with hair loss.

    A simple rule of thumb when researching hair loss on the web would be to look for the American Hair Loss Association seal before taking the time to read the information provided on the site. The AHLA does not accept any financial support from companies in the hair loss industry, and only provides its certification seal to websites that provide legitimate information about hair loss and its treatment. Be VERY aware that hair loss websites, for the most part, are businesses and some have even lifted the AHLA seal in hopes of misleading vulnerable hair loss sufferers into believing that they are selling a legitimate product. Even if you see the American Hair Loss Association seal, always check with the AHLA before buying any product or service to treat your hair loss.

    As far as your treatment is concerned, the question is, have you lost any ground since you began treatment? If the answer is no, than you’re in good shape.

    After years of research and anecdotal information provided by my readers and listeners, I have come to the conclusion that the use of saw palmetto for the treatment of hair loss is a waste of time. In fact, we have found out over the years that by coupling Propecia and saw palmetto, some men experience an increase incidence of adverse sexual side effects. That’s not to say that will happen to you, but it has been reported.

    I’d like to reiterate that I am not a physician, but again if your hair loss has not progressed since starting Propecia then you are in a very good position, and one of the lucky 86% who respond well to the drug.

    We all want more hair and many hair loss sufferers have what I call “hairorexia.” If your hair is still looking pretty good I wouldn’t push the envelope in the hopes of thickening your hair up to where you were before you began the balding process. I think Propeica is truly a miracle drug for many, the problem is that we get greedy and forget how wonderful it is just to keep what we have.

    I’m not a fan of the kitchen sink approach, but if you are currently using Rogaine, I would not stop using it since this could throw you into a pretty bad shed. My advise would be to stick to the program unless you are really getting worse. If you find you are losing ground, you can always talk to your doctor about increasing your dosage of finasteride.

    Hope this helps!

    Regards,
    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)

     
 
 

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

 
 

"Spencer Kobren's nationally syndicated show "The Bald Truth" has a dedicated listenership that would have Rush Limbaugh pulling his hair out in envy." --Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

 
 
 
 
 

BaldTruthTalk Forums

 
 

Talk

 
 
 
 
 
 

News