male pattern baldness
Pump Up the Hair: Cortisone Treatments for Hair Loss
As we’ve discussed previously on our blog, genetically linked balding (androgenetic alopecia) can be treated with topical, botanically derived treatments. The most common treatments for male pattern loss remains the topical formula which includes minoxidil and the oral medication finesteride resulting in 80-90% halting the progression of hair loss. For hair loss where inflammation is prominent, like alopecia areata, the steroid cortisone is the treatment option for hair restoration since surgery is certainly not an option.
The term STEROID conjures images of muscular athletes and body builders, but it should be known that there are some viable, medical uses for cortisone, a type of steroid. Anabolic –androgenic steroids are often the culprit behind over-developed muscles and the super human athletic abilities you hear about in the news. This class of steroids works primarily to facilitate the rapid growth of muscle and allows for enhanced endurance. This happens because anabolic-androgenic steroids mimic sex linked androgens like testosterone that signal the body to boost protein synthesis and create muscle. One downside to these steroids is that they often accelerate hair loss in men and women who are genetically predisposed to balding (among other side effects when used in high doses without caution.)
Corticosteroids are also a class of steroids; which work to mimic the naturally occurring hormone cortisone. According to an article published by the International Alliance of hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS), corticosteroids are used in hair-restoration therapy for their ability to regulate the body’s inflammatory response, allergic reactions, and the symptoms of auto-immune disorders. Any alopecia involving scarring such as lupus would be considered a type of balding which would be responsive to cortisones. Alopecia areata, is balding exhibited as perfectly round, smooth circles on the scalps of men, women, and children. With this condition, monthly injections of very dilute cortisone are injected just under the skin just to the depth of the hair follicles which inhibits the inflammation of white blood cells: allowing hair regrowth within 1 to 4 months (typically). The limited use of this cortisone is very safe and usually results in no side effects and does not suppress the body’s immune system.
In this age of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), many patients both men and women have been given topical or injections of low dose hormone replacement. All these medications can increase the natural balding of the patient. These persons should especially investigate the use of a blocker like finesteride so that the messenger of baldness, DHT, will be blocked and baldness will be prevented. This advice applies to both males and females. Of course, females of child bearing age should not use finesteride without understanding its uses and its potential side effects.
It is of utmost importance that you seek the medical advice from your dermatologist before you begin taking any steroid-like product for hair restoration and regrowth. To learn more about the other non-surgical hair-loss treatments available through Dr. Edmond Griffin visit The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research’s website, contact their office, or subscribe to their blog.
A Griffin Center Series: Myths and Truths about Hair Loss Part III: Do over-the-counter, topical hair loss products really work?
There is a huge market for over –the–counter topical medications that claim to be the miracle solution to hair re-growth. But do these hair restoration products really work? The best answer I can give to this question is that “other products work better.”
The majority of these hair tonics, shampoos, and lotions available in drug stores prove to be ineffective. In fact, the only proven effective topical drug on the market is Rogaine® (5% Minoxidil), which has actually worked in some cases to restore hair. However, these results were almost always seen in patients that are just starting to lose their hair, and work better to slow down hair loss instead of re-growing more hair. There are also other effective topical prescription compounds for hairloss such as Rogaine 5% mixed with Retin-A that may be prescribed by Dr. Griffin. It is important to note, that restoring hair, especially through topical medications, is a very gradual process – taking anywhere from 6 months to a year of daily application.
Non-topical medications, such as Propecia ® and Avodart®, can be a more effective medical solution for hair re-growth. The oral medication Propecia ® contains Finasteride, which is actually FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia ® and oral medications like it have shown better results however, in conjunction with topical products, like Rogaine®, that contain Minoxidil (namely the 5% Extra Strength formula). Avodart® is usually only prescribed for patients who have not had favorable results with Finasteride. Additionally, your doctor may choose to increase your Finestride dose from the typical 1mg to 2.5mg (for women who cannot become pregnant and men) if favorable results aren’t obtained in a timely manner.
While over-the-counter options continue to evolve, and may seem like the easy fix, it’s important to note that the best hair restoration results are obtained through a customized treatment plan along with a proper evaluation by a certified professional.
For more information about these medications, or other hair restoration options, contact The Griffin Center.
Griffin Center News Trend: Chest Hair is Making a Comeback!
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the popular reemergence of a trend for deeper cut shirts in men – revealing chest hair. While revealing the chest and chest hair was recently a fashion faux pas, unbuttoned shirts and deeper cut V-necks have made a comeback on New York runways and with mainstream American fashion.
The WSJ Article quotes a New York-based men’s style consultant, Tyler Thoreson who said, “The low-cut look is better if you have a little chest hair.”
Some say that the rising popularity of “man cleavage” also affectionately coined “heavage” is a throwback to legendary pop icons such as Marlon Brando (Streetcar Named Desire), Sean Connery as James Bond, and John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
Luckily for men experiencing pattern baldness on their head, hair loss is not typical to occur anywhere else on the body, including the chest.
If you have any questions about hair care or hair loss, visit our website or call The Griffin Center to set up a consultation.
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