Posts Tagged: DHT

Is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) a Viable Hair Restoration Treatment?

October 5th, 2009

Q: There has been a lot of talk circulating on the internet regarding the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for the treatment of hair loss. Would you be able to comment on whether or not you think this will turn out to be a viable treatment for male pattern baldness (MPB)?

A: It is a bit too early to tell. My sense is that it will not have any practical long-term benefits for the treatment of hair loss (MPB), since it doesn’t get to the cause of androgenetic hair loss, i.e. DHT. Treatments such as copper-peptide, saw-palmetto, laser therapy, have all been promoted for male pattern hair loss, but have not really turned out to have any significant long-term benefits. Further studies need to be done on PRP to get a better sense of its value in combating hair loss.

On the other hand, PRP can have a significant impact on wound healing and it is possible that it may be useful in promoting healing after a hair transplant in both the donor and recipient areas of the scalp.

For further reading, see the Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration web page on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).

Topic: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:54 am

After Hair Transplant What are Effects of DHT on Donor Hair?

November 25th, 2008

Q: Hi! I wanted to ask if after a hair restoration surgery the transplanted hair will eventually fall out? Because the surgery is to restore hair mainly for people with genetic hair loss which results from DHT, won’t the DHT make the new follicles implanted fall out as well?

A: Hair loss is due to the action of DHT (a byproduct of testosterone) on hair follicles that cause them to shrink and eventually disappear (the process is called miniaturization). The follicles on the back and sides of the scalp are not sensitive to DHT and therefore don’t bald (miniaturize).

When you transplant hair from the back and sides to the bald area on the front or top of the scalp the hair follicles maintain their original characteristics (their resistance to DHT) and therefore they will continue to grow.

Topic: Growth After Transplant

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 11:38 am

What Hair Loss Medications are Effective DHT Blockers and are they Sold Over the Counter?

April 21st, 2008

Q: Are there DHT blockers that are sold in the pharmacy over the counter?

A: The only effective DHT blockers are finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart).

These medications require a doctor’s prescription and are not sold OTC. Nizoral is a topical shampoo for seborrhea (a type of dandruff) that is sold over the counter, but it is not effective in treating hair loss.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 6:49 am

Can Hair Loss be Caused by Weight Lifting and Increase in Testosterone Levels?

April 7th, 2008

Q: My son, 25 years old, is seeing hair loss around the hairline. According to your website, he is probably a stage II. He may have a little hair loss at the vertex; right now it is hard to tell. He is very muscular and loves weight lifting, but no drug enhancement. Is there a relationship between weight lifting and hair loss, since I have read that weight lifting increases testosterone levels?

A: Yes, weight lifting does increase testosterone, which in turn increases DHT. This can accelerate hair loss, although the effect is generally very slight.

Rather than modify his exercise program, your son may want to consider taking finasteride (Propecia). This requires a doctor’s prescription.

Topic: Causes of Hair Loss

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 8:36 am

Do You Recommend Avodart (Dutasteride) Hair Loss Medication?

February 25th, 2008

Q: I heard that there is a new drug on the market called Avodart for prostate enlargement which might help with hair loss as it blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT better than Finasteride and is more effective than Propecia. Do you recommend taking it and if so what is the dose?

A: I am currently not recommending that patients take Dutasteride for hair loss, although it is more effective than Propecia, finasteride 1mg. (Dutasteride 0.5, the dose generally used for hair loss, seems to be slightly more effective than finasteride 5m in reversing miniaturization.)

The reasons that I am hesitant to prescribe it at present are outlined in the Hair Transplant Blog question Is Avodart Safe?

In addition to the reasons that I listed in that response, I would also consider that: Dutasteride, unlike finasteride, decreases sperm counts, it can result in persistent decreased sex drive and the incidence is greater than with finasteride. Finally there are a significant number of alpha-type 1 receptors in brain, those affected by dutasteride, but not finasteride.

However, since Dutasteride is approved for older men with prostatic disease, using it for hair loss in this age group (usually in a lower dose) is reasonable.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:19 am



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