Dr. Robert M. Bernstein was interviewed by Fox and Friends over the weekend. He discussed hair loss, hair transplant surgery, propecia hair loss medication, hair plugs, and more.
Watch the full video here:
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Q: What time should I take the Propecia? Does it work better if I take it at night as opposed to the morning and should I take it with meals?
A: It doesn’t matter what time of day you take Propecia and the time can very each day.
The absorption of Propecia (finasteride) is not affected by food, so it can be taken without regard to meals.
Q: I am having hair thinning and retreating from the front part of the scalp. According to Norwood’s classification I rank a category III. From what I see on the Rogaine pack it is used in hereditary hair loss on the (vertex) on top of the scalp. Any recommendations?
A: Minoxidil does work on the front of the scalp to prevent the progression of hair loss and may thicken areas of early thinning, although it won’t re-grow hair in areas that are bald.
I would also consider using finasteride (the active ingredient in the hair loss medication Propecia) as this will also work on the front of the scalp to prevent further hair loss and to increase areas of thinning – and it is more effective than minoxidil.
Q: If I get transplants, do I still have to continue taking Propecia?
A: Yes, you should.
You do not need finasteride (Propecia) for the hair transplant to work, or the transplanted hair to continue to grow, but finasteride can decrease further hair loss.
Q: I am interested in a hair transplant, but am turned off by the apparent side effects of follow up Propecia. Could herbs serve the purpose of Propecia? Regarding laser treatments, do they work on their own, or do you need drugs to supplement? Can laser damage in some cases, rather than benefit? It seems odd that laser therapy has been undertaken in Europe for 10 years, yet there are no published studies on the results. Might this be because it doesn’t work in the longer term?
A: Finasteride is the best medication. Herbs are not particularly effective for hair loss. You should consider trying finasteride.
If you are in the 2% group that has side effects with Propecia, just stop taking the medication. If you do not experience side effects, then there is no problem taking the medication long-term. Hair transplant surgery doesn’t prevent the progression of hair loss. That is why it is used in conjunction with medication.
Laser therapy can cause shedding initially (as can Propecia and Rogaine), but this means it is working. It does not cause actual hair loss. Your skepticism of the value of Laser therapy long term is one we have as well. Keep in mind, however, that while long-term studies are extremely important, they are very hard and costly to run and there is little incentive for companies to do this.
It is interesting that the FDA does not require longer term data on medications or devices that need to be used on a continued basis.
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Disclaimer: The purpose of the Hair Transplant Blog is to provide the public with general information on hair restoration. Information provided on this site should not be used for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.
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