Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies is filled with important information for men and women of virtually all ages anxious to preserve their full head of hair, put the brakes on balding, or explore the safest and most reliable hair replacement techniques currently available. The book offers readers not only the full gamut of modern-day hair-care options but crucial tips on how to avoid unscrupulous hair transplant doctors and potentially harmful products as well. Purchase Book on Amazon.com
Synopsis: The discovery of the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene and related genes has expanded our knowledge on the genetics of common baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Recent basic science and clinical studies have lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of hair loss in both men and women. These genetic advances have lead to the development of a new screening test for androgenetic alopecia. In addition to the two currently approved FDA medications (minoxidil and finasteride) the FDA has approved a laser hair comb for the treatment of hair loss. Further studies are needed to verify the accuracy and validity of the genetic screening test and the efficacy of the laser hair comb.
Topical application of the solution containing melatonin, ginkgo biloba and biotin was found to reduce hair loss, and in some cases grow new hair. Incidence of seborrhea was also reduced by the treatment. While the exact mechanism for this result is unknown, if effective, it is likely related to the antioxidative effect of melatonin and/or a melatonin receptor-mediated antiandrogenic effects. More research on melatonin needs to be conducted, but this study acts as a proof of concept for the use of melatonin as a treatment for early hair loss in men and women and potentially as a treatment for seborrhea.
Dr. Bernstein was interviewed for an article in NYCityWoman.com that ran the gamut of available treatments for hair loss in women. Read for some select quotes on a wide range of topics related to hair loss in women and treatments for female patients with androgenetic alopecia (common genetic hair loss).
Q: Can stress accelerate hair loss? I am 25 and there is balding on my dad's side of the family. I never had any thinning or hair loss till this year. I guess you can say I've been under a lot of stress. When I did notice shortly after my 25th birthday I started stressing even more, which led to more hair loss. It is thinner up front and it is thin on top. I have heard of some hair docs mapping your head for miniaturization, do you do this too? -- E.W., Miami, FL A: Yes. The presence of miniaturization (decreased hair diameter) in the areas of thinning allows us to distinguish between hair loss due to heredity (i.e. androgenetic alopecia) -- in which hair progressively decreases in diameter under the influence of DHT -- and other causes. The degree of miniaturization can be assessed using a hand-held instrument called a densitometer. The pattern of hair loss and the family history are also important in the diagnosis. Stress more commonly produces telogen effluvium, a generalized shedding that is not associated with miniaturization and is often reversible without treatment. Read more about the Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Men Read…
Q: I am currently taking Avodart and have done so for around 8 months. Last night I had a significant loss of hair after taking a shower, nothing like I have ever seen before and found it very distressing. Can you tell me if this is hair loss or could it be something known as shedding and could you please tell me what is the difference between hair loss and hair shedding? -- M.S., New York, NY A: Hair loss is a very general term that can refer loss of hair for any reason. Genetic hair loss is caused by the effects of DHT on hair follicles that result in miniaturization -– i.e. a slowly progressive change in hair diameter that starts with visible thinning and that may gradually end in complete baldness. Hair shedding is more sudden where hair falls out due to a rapid shift of hair from its growth phase into the resting phase. The medical term for this is telogen effluvium. This process is usually reversible when the offending problem is stopped. It can be due to stress, medication, or other issues. You should see a dermatologist to figure out which process is going on. Dutasteride…
Dr. Mehmet Oz invited Dr. Bernstein to appear on the Dr. Oz Show to discuss the ‘taboo’ subject of hair loss in women, and its causes and diagnosis. Dr. Bernstein used a densitometer to evaluate the hair loss of a female member of the audience.
Dr. Mehmet Oz invited Dr. Bernstein to appear on his show, the Dr. Oz Show, where they discussed the 'taboo' subject of hair loss in women. Dr. Bernstein also demonstrated how he uses a densitometer to evaluate the hair loss of a female audience member.
CBS News has enlisted the help of Dr. Bernstein in dispelling a series of myths which circulate in the general public about the causes and treatments of hair loss. The feature is titled, "Hey, Baldy: 10 Things You Need to Know about Hair Loss."
Most men who have hair loss are experiencing common genetic thinning based on their family history. Did you know there are other reasons why men can also lose hair? The following are the top 5 reasons why men can experience hair loss. Interestingly, one of them – scarring hair loss – is actually on the […]