Using Dong Quai as a hair loss remedy

Today we look at the natural Chinese herb Dong Quai. This herb has been used traditionally in China to prevent the hair loss and graying that come with age. The exact mechanism is unknown, but may be related to a mild estrogenic effect.



Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that have been known to stabilize and even reverse genetic hair loss. Scientists believe phytoestrogens work by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Androgens are produced by the male sex organs and are a major factor in inherited baldness.

Dong Quai is believed to be nontoxic. Allergic reactions and mild gastrointestinal distress have been noted in a small percentage of people using Dong Quai. In some cases, Dong Quai can cause sensitivity to sun. One case report has shown Dong Quai to interact with Coumadin (warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. Although it is not certain, conceivably, Dong Quai could interact with any blood-thinning products, natural or otherwise. If you are taking Coumadin, heparin, Trental, or aspirin, you could be at risk for increased bleeding when using Dong Quai.


Clinical Research: I counld not find any clinical study that provides evidence that Dong Quai actually cures hair loss.

Price: You can get 50 capsules for around $10.00

Summary: Ancient Chinese secret. Only your neighborhood Asian doctor really knows if the stuff works. So use it at your own risk.

Combat hair loss with anti-inflammatories

Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids are used for the treatment for alopecia areata. In mild cases of alopecia areata, a corticosteroid cream is applied only to the regions of hairloss. An alternative treatment is the intralesional injection of corticosteroids into the inflamed patches of scalp. A corticosteroid such as triamcinolone or kenelog is injected, approximately once per month, below the skin near the hair follicle. This treatment is often used for eyebrow hair loss.


Systemic corticosteroids are often prescribed if the hairloss is widespread. The drugs are administered by injection into the muscle of the buttock or arm once every four to six weeks. Sometimes this treatment brings a spontaneous recovery and the treatment is stopped as the hair returns. Oral cortisone is sometimes given by tablets but has all the side effects of injections.

Short term effects are weight gain, mood changes and acne. Long term treatment with corticosteroids causes thinning of the skin and scalp damage, immune system suppression, increased cancer, bone degeneration, and cataracts. Folligen may be tried as an alternative to steroid use. Folligen is very safe and has anti-inflammatory actions as well a scalp repair properties.






Cyclosporin - is an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. It is used topically in the treatment of immune-associated severe skin conditions. In humans, cyclosporin is very effective orally (80% positive hair growth response) but only marginally effective (20%) when used topically for aiding hair growth. It promotes hair growth in animal models and promotes human hair growth in vitro.

Like corticosteroids, it has toxic side effects such as renal toxicity when used long term and a generally poor choice for as a hair treatment.

And last

FK506 is an new immunosuppressant, like cyclosporin, used to prevent organ rejection. It is in a class of drugs similar to cyclosporin. When applied in a topical ointment, it is more effective in stimulating hair growth than cyclosporin. It is a strong immunosuppressant and its safety in long term use for hair growth is questionable. It may produce neural damage.


My advice is stay away from these. The health risks are far greater than the benefits. A good option is RK19. It's a combination of FDA regulated high potency vitamins and an anti-inflammatory. No side effects. And you are guaranteed to see results or your money back.

Smoke your way to a bald head

I came across several articles that indicate a connection between smoking and hair loss. It seems that smokers tend to lose their hair at an earlier age than non smokers. Maybe it's time to trade in that carton for a six pack.

Below are the links to the articles.

www.dailyvidette.com
www.nzherald.co.nz
www.dailymail.co.uk

Best Wishes

Will Cortes

Is Rogaine (Minoxidil) right for you?

I’m sure you’ve all heard about Rogaine, which is the brand name for the drug Minoxidi. The FDA approved Rogaine which slows the rate of hair loss and reduces the appearance of baldness. You can get Minoxidil over the counter or by prescription. Rogaine is used as a topical ointment that gets rubbed onto your scalp two times a day. Minoxidil has proven effective at regressing or stopping hair loss mainly in the crown of the head. It is not, however, an effective treatment for receding hairlines.


Rogaine can stimulate hair growth of new hair for some users, but any new hair will fall out if Minoxidil use is stopped. Any hair loss shampoo products containing the drug Minoxidil may be able to prevent further hair loss or generate new hair. There are several products on the market that contain Minoxidil. The most effective ones contain a higher concentration of the drug.


Of course there are the side effects like

• increase in size or darkness of fine body hair
• dizziness
• breast tenderness
• rash
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• acne at the site of application
• burning of scalp
• increased hair loss
• inflammation or soreness at root of hair
• reddened skin

On rare instances you may experience (call your doctor)

• chest pain
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• decrease in sexual ability or desire*
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• fainting
• light headed
• flushing
• rapid weight gain
• headache
• numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
• swelling of face, hands, feet, or lower legs

*According to the Mayo Clinic.

Who should avoid Minoxidil?

Consult your physician if you fall into the following categories and would like to use
Minoxidil.

• If you’re pregnant
• Children should not use Minoxidil
• If you’re older than 65
• If you presently use the following medications

1. Tretinoin (Retin-A)
2. Petrolatum (Vaseline)
3. Corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines)

• If you suffer from medical problems such as

1. Heart Disease
2. High Blood Pressure
3. Kidney Disease

Important Info

Always use the dosage on the prescription. Minoxidil should not be applied to other
parts of the body. Apply only to your scalp. Keep away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
This drug may also cause drowsiness.

If you notice continued itching, redness, or burning of your scalp after you apply Minoxidil, consult your doctor. If the itching, redness, or burning is severe, wash the medicine off and check with your doctor before using it again.

Lunesta: Hair Loss Side Effects

I came across an interesting article on The Beacon News that talks about a drug used for sleeping disorders. The drug is called Lunesta. Below is the Q&A from the an individual using Lunesta.


October 21, 2007

Q: Recently, you advised a reader to try Lunesta for sleep problems. I, too, was prescribed Lunesta and took it for about a year. It worked very well. I got at least five hours of sound sleep and had no morning-after sluggishness. About four months into taking it, I noticed some hair loss but thought it must be fairly normal and forgot about it. Seven months into taking the drug, the hair loss seemed to be more frequent and heavier. I discussed it with my hairdresser, but we decided it was just a cycle and would calm down. At the 10-month mark, I began to lose much more hair with brushing and decided to see my internist. He was shocked to see the change in my hair and promptly referred me to a dermatologist here.

Upon reviewing my physician-prescribed medication, he announced vehemently that I must cease taking Lunesta. It seems he had been seeing several patients complaining of hair loss, and they were all taking Lunesta. I stopped taking Lunesta in November 2006, but it takes at least two months for it to leave your system. During that time, I lost a devastating amount of hair! I was even advised to purchase a wig in case I had any more hair loss because it would be noticeable immediately.

I just had a check-up with my dermatologist, and there are no signs of regrowth; my hairdresser concurs. On Lunesta, I lost at least one-third of my hair, and I didn't have thick hair before. It's truly frightening, since hair loss is not even mentioned as a side effect of Lunesta.

A: Your experience with Lunesta is convincing and provides new information of which I was unaware. I am publishing a shortened version of your letter as a public service.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Consumer Tips on Medicine" and "Sleep/Wake Disorders." Other readers who would like copies should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 for each report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

For those of you interested in viewing the site click here.

If you've had similar results with Lunesta please share.

Regards

Will Cortes

www.endbalding.com

Inflammation can lead to hair loss

Does your scalp ever feel tender to the touch? Well it's quite possible that scalp inflammation is contributing to your hair loss. Don't blame Rogaine or topical minoxidil as your source for inflammation. Users refer to it as "minoxidil burn". There is no scientific study which shows that topical minoxidil or Rogaine is the cause of scalp inflammation. Retin-A is also known to be associated with scalp inflammation.

Dr. Razack, a hair specialist in the U.S and author of the book "Conquering Hair Loss", says many researchers have suggested that scalp inflammation is closely related to hair loss. Another reseacher reseacher, Young et al conducted a clinical study in 1991 showing that 96% of the participants in the study who have androgenic alopecia have also demostrated some kind of inflammatory response on their scalps. Another study conducted by Abell et al., inflammation was shown in over 75% of the scalp biopsies obtained from close to 700 patients with androgenic alopecia.

Here are a few shampoos to deal with scalp inflammation:

Neutrogen T-Gel - I think the first thing that everyone should try is Neutrogen T-Gel. It is the least expensive of all treatments, about US $8 a bottle and virtually any drug store sells it as an over-the-counter shampoo. No prescription is required. Although it doesn't work for everyone, some have repoted good results without having to turn to other more expensive alternatives. So I would definitely give T-Gel a try before anything else. However, not everyone responds to T-Gel. In fact, some, like myself, really dislike the shampoo. It dries up my hair and leaves stains on my scalp.

Nizoral Shampoo - If T-Gel fails, the next thing that I recommend is Nizoral shampoo. It is more expensive than T-Gel and a prescription is required for U.S residents. Nizoral costs well over US $30 for one bottle in New York City and I guarantee you can find a much better deal ordering over the internet. The active ingredient in Nizoral is 2% ketoconazole which in addition to being an anti-fungal agent, is also an antiandrogen and immunosupressant. All these attributes are beneficial to hair growth. Nizoral is intended to be used only once or twice a week. So it is important that you alternate Nizoral with another shampoo for hair loss.

Dermovate - If both T-Gel and Nizoral fail, then your last resort is Dermovate, or sometimes called Temovate in North America. It is a topical scalp lotion that is available by prescription only for U.S residents. Dermovate is not cheap. A 50ml bottle costs over US $60 in New York City. However, you are supposed to place only a few drops on affected areas and a 50ml bottle should last you more than two months. The active ingredient in Dermovate is Clobetasol 17-propionate 0.05%, which is a kind of cortisone. Dermovate is extremely effective and it works almost instantaneoulsy. Depending on the severity of your conditions, continuous application for up to six weeks may be required before your scalp is clear of all flakes and crust. Once your conditions have been stablizied, then you use Dermovate only when needed. For those who use Rogaine or topical minoxidil, Dermovate should be applied shortly after you put on Rogaine. Also, for best results, it is highly recommended that you include both Nizoral shampoo and Dermovate in your regimen.

RK19 - RK19 isn't a shampoo. It's a high potency vitamin and anti-inflammatry combination. It's specifically formulated to stop inflammation DHT. Price is under $100 for a 6 month supply.

Can Folligen grow hair?

Today Im reviewing Folligen. It was invented by Dr. Loren Pickart. Folligen is a topical. It comes as a cream, spray or lotion. It contains copper peptides to stimulate hair growth. It can be used in conjucntion with Minoxidil, and DHT inhibitors like Propecia.


Folligen rebuilds the protective acid mantle of the scalp that shampoos and conditioners remove. The acid mantle is the combination of sebum (oils) and perspiration, on the skin's surface that protects the skin and renders the skin less vulnerable to damage and attack by environmental factors such as sun and wind and less prone to dehydration. The mantle also has strong anti-oxidant properties and is itself oxidized to protect the skin from oxidation. Sebum is naturally white but air oxidation turns it black (this is why "whitehead comedos" turn into "blackhead comedos"). Normal skin and scalp pH is somewhat acid and in the range of 4.2. to 5.6. It varies from one part of the body to another and, in general, the pH of a man's skin is lower (more acid) than that of a woman's. The acid mantle inhibits the growth of foreign bacteria and fungi and the skin remains healthier, and has fewer blemishes. Acne, allergies and other skin problems become more severe when the skin become more alkaline. Folligen adjusts the scalp pH into the acid range of optimal scalp health at about pH 5.0.

The ingredients are designed to help create an environment that improves scalp health, hair health, vitality, reduce hair loss and shedding. Folligen products are used both by women for stress and estrogen-related hair loss and men for male pattern baldness caused by DHT.

The product claims to do the following:

* Markedly reduces hair loss in about three weeks
* Improve scalp health and reduce irritation
* Thicker head of hair in about four months
* Often reduces itching and flaking associated with scalp
inflammation

Clinical Studies - None were found
Side Effects - Makes scalp itchy if using the spray. The cream and lotion are a bright green color so are not suited to be used in the morning. They should be used at night with some pillow cover as the green color can rub off on pillow cases. Folligen is easily washed off in the morning, but some people with very light blonde hair do report having a greenish tinge on their hair. If you have this hair color you should not use this product.

Cost - $99 for a 2 month supply. Can be bouhgt at Folica
FDA Approved - No

Summary - Found 1 small photo on their site showing results. Also found a few testimonials in hair loss forums stating that users were pleased with results. The price is about $100 for a 2 month supply for the whole kit. For best results you should be under 45 and used in conjuction with other hair loss treatments such as Rogaine or Minoxidol.

Based on my research the product doesn't show enough evidence of actual hair growth. It's more of a scalp cleanser in my opinion.

Hair Loss & Scalp inflammation: Deadly Duo

Can scalp inflammation cause your hair loss?

We all know that DHT is the main factor in hair loss. It attacks our hair follicles preventing them from growing. But did you ever consider that scalp inflammation could also be involved in your balding?

Alopecia areata is a disorder characterized by inflammation of the bulb, which shrivels and ultimately stops producing hair. There’s accumulating evidence that the role of inflammation in the etiology (the cause or origin of disease) is present in hair loss. Data that leads us to believe that inflammation which actually accompanies alopecia is an important factor. Inflammation can actually increase the progression of your hair loss by promoting telogen effluvium (an abnormal loss of hair due to alteration of the normal hair cycle) Normally, most of the hairs are in the growth stage and only one hundred hairs per day fall from the scalp. When telogen effluvium occurs, a greater proportion of the hairs enter the resting phase of the cycle and hair shedding is greater than normal. Inflammation can also induce perifollicular fibrosis (the enlargement of the follicular dermal sheath composed of collagen bundles which form to develop excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ and scarring).

The fact you might see some redness in an individual whose losing his hair is indicative that inflammation is a factor. DHT causes a change in the hair follicle. It’s still uncertain as to why the change takes place but the change sends a signal to our immune system to attack the hair follicle. The attack causes inflammation.

If you suffer from excessive scalp tenderness, itchiness and/or scalp pimples, you may be showing symptoms of DHT inflammation

It’s fair to say if you don’t stop DHT entirely, inflammation will still occur. thus producing hair loss. There are numerous hair loss products on the market today. One such product that addresses these two issues is RK19. It blocks DHT driven inflammation at the root. Thereby allowing the necessary nutrients to reach your dead hair follicles and reviving them. RK19 has worked on individuals who’ve been balding for over twenty years.

Before taking any medications always consult your physician first.