Q:

Hey Doc:

My hair is as thin as the state of economy; I’m trying to figure out how to make it stronger. Two products I tried are, Chronostin, suggested by my barber; the other one was recommended to me by my psychiatrist: it’s called Minoxidil, Estradiol Vateral, Esopropyl Acohol.

I’d like to hear your expert advice on these products, doc?

Yours truly,

A:

I commend you for seeing a skin doctor. As part of your dermatologist’s diagnosis, I’m quite certain he took a look at you to see if there was miniaturization of hair leading to hair loss in men. Let me add that combining minoxidil with other hormonal medications hasn’t been proven to be a solution to hair loss. You were probably diagnosed with male pattern baldness and then the doctor decided to recommend it. Since that’s what happened, you might also want to try finasteride, a medication much more powerful compared to Minoxidil, based on a few research publications.

The other product, Chronostim, I don’t know what that is. But, being the dedicated doctor I am, I did some of my own research on it. Chronostim is a product that says it is able to act on a group of factors playing a part in hair loss. It has both morning and nighttime treatments.

It contains sabal enriched lauric acid (seborrhea regulating ), tocopherol Nicotinate (microcirculation stimulating, oxygenating bulbar), glycyrrhetinic Acide bta (reinforces the activity of 5-alpha ductase), excipient alcohol-silicone, perfumed- hypoallergenic.

Chronostim, called NIGHT, contains a semblance of Ruscus, enriched in Neoruscine (stimulating of the VEGF), Diguanosine traphosphate (GP4G – cellular stimulant), Piroctonolamine (cleansing, anti-irritant), excipient hydro-alcoholic, perfumed-hypoallergenic.

Clear as the Los Angeles smog, right? To give it to you straight, these products haven’t been proven in any way whatsoever to aid in the treatment of men’s hair loss.

May I be so bold to say, if I were in your shoes, I’d continue taking finasteride (Propecia), if your dermatologist is okay with it. However, if you continue to experience hair loss, a hair transplant would be the best answer.

Best,

Dr. Mohebi

We received a distressed email from a young patient who wrote saying he took Propecia after consulting with a doctor but it aggravated my situation and it catalyzed the hair fall instead. I was suggested that the hair fall will be temporary. I was scared so I discontinued the medicine.  He was also concerned if malnutrition may have also caused the patchy hair fall and the possible sexual side effects associated with Propecia medication.

When it comes down to hair loss, the first thing that needs to be verified is a family history of hair loss.  The reason for this is because most hair loss is genetically linked.  In this case, we can use this information to help prevent and reverse hair loss.

Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss but generally if a person maintains a balanced diet they should be okay.  If vitamin deficiency is the issue, vitamin supplements can help correct that.

Finasteride (Propecia) has been clinically tested and proven effective for the treatment and prevention of hair loss and has been FDA approved.  You may experience some level of hair shedding during the first few weeks or months but hair growth should become evident within or after 6 months of treatment.  Sexual side effects have only been reported in only 1 out of 100 patients tested but the effects are usually temporary.  If Propecia medication impedes your libido too much, it is safe to either discontinue usage or reduce the prescription amount.

At this point, we highly suggest starting to establish a good relationship with a good hair transplant surgeon and consider getting a proper evaluation of your hair loss.  If male pattern baldness or typical male hair loss is the final diagnosis, we recommend starting a medication regimen and maybe even considering a hair transplant in the near future if need be.