Posts Tagged: Finasteride

Can One Treat Early Hair Loss with Laser Comb and At What Age Should One Start?

March 9th, 2007

Q: If I’m 20 years old and haven’t lost any hair yet, should I start using a laser comb now?

A: One should not treat hair loss until it actually occurs.

That said, once there is clear evidence that if a person is thinning, non-surgical treatments are best started early to prevent further hair loss.

It is important to keep in mind that finasteride (Propecia) is still the most effective treatment for early hair loss and has a good record for at least some long-term effectiveness. It is not clear what additional benefit the laser-comb will have.

Topic: Age

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:17 am

Are There Side Effects from Hair Loss Treatment with Laser Comb?

March 5th, 2007

Q: Are there any side effects to the laser comb?

A: There can be an early temporary hair shedding in some patients. This is felt to be due to an acceleration of the hair cycle and is probably a mechanism similar to the one that causes early shedding when using Rogaine (Minoxidil) or Propecia (Finasteride).

Topic: Laser Therapy

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:29 am

Is Hair Loss Treatment with Laser Therapy Revolutionary for Field of Hair Restoration?

March 2nd, 2007

Q: The makers of the HairMax LaserComb have claimed that it will “revolutionize the hair growth industry.” What do you think?

A: This claim is obviously overstated.

Since the Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) doesn’t affect the action of DHT on hair follicles, it doesn’t affect the underlying cause of genetic hair loss, and thus would be expected only to have limited effectiveness. The company’s own studies show that this is, indeed, the case.

It was also predicted that Rogaine would revolutionize the field of hair restoration and it had little impact.

In my opinion, only finasteride has made a significant impact on the long-term course of hair loss, particularly in its ability to postpone the need for surgical intervention such as hair transplants.

Topic: Laser Therapy

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:41 am

How Effective is Hair Loss Treatment with Laser Comb?

February 26th, 2007

Q: How effective is the HairMax Laser Comb?

A: It is difficult to tell since there are no long-term studies using the LaserComb.

From the data we have available, it seems to be about as effective as Rogaine (Minoxidil). As most who have used Minoxidil know, it only works in areas where there is a fair amount of miniaturized hair and over time loses its effectiveness.

The HairMax LaserComb is not as effective as Propecia (Finasteride) and, of course, is not a substitute for surgical hair restoration.

Topic: Laser Therapy

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:56 am

Can Hair Loss Treatment with Propecia Effect Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Level?

February 13th, 2007

Q: I have been on Propecia for approximately 5 years. What does Propecia do to your PSA level, lower it or make it higher? Also, what would you consider a normal level while on Propecia?

A: Finasteride 1mg a day lowers your PSA around 50%. Therefore, when patients are taking finasteride, the PSA reading should be doubled.

Finasteride does not appear to decrease the sensitivity of the PSA test to detect prostate cancer – its main purpose.

PSA levels vary by age and by lab so I would check with your internist/urologist to evaluate your specific level.

In very general terms, for adults, it is ideal to have a PSA < 1.0 off Propecia and < 0.5 on it, but higher levels can also be fine.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 10:17 am



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