No, not that kind of research.

It has always been said that Propecia, a drug used to treat male pattern baldness, has a negative affect on men’s sex drive, including causing erectile disfunction and reduction in semen production. However, it is now claimed that is could actually do the opposite with an increase on your libido; body mass, energy and performance.

Strudwick said; “Ten years ago, when I first started losing my hair, I took Propecia and my libido increased.”

So what is the truth?

A study earlier this year originally published online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 92 percent of study participants reported developing erectile dysfunction, however this was a relatively small study and it could be argued that the anti-propecia websites could be having a psychological affect on the participants

Another study by Sweden’s Medical Products Agency suggested that Propecia could be a long-term sexual inhibitor.

Trawling through the forums online it is clear that men across the world are convinced that the drug has made a significant negative difference to their sex drive.

One forum member said: “I did have no sex drive and some side effects while taking the drug but my body came back to normal within a week or two of stopping the drug.”

Another said: “When you see the countless blogs and videos about Propecia side effects you have to believe there is more to this issue and it would deserve more research…certainly more than asking some fellow Physicians what they have heard.”

According to most physician experts in the field, there is zero clinical evidence that the use of Propecia can in any way cause permanent sexual dysfunction.

In October’s edition of Men’s Journal, they looked at the possible side effects finding female doctors who happily prescribed the drug for their husbands, as well as a guy who learned he was suffering from low testosterone, and the likely cause shocked him. “I’ll be on hormone therapy for the rest of my life,” he says, “because of Propecia.”

A study would need to look at thousands of Propecia and placebo users over a long-period of time, which would be extremely costly, however if the Propecia firms selling the drug are confident about the effects, perhaps it is time to put the debate to the test?

The problem is that not one drug in the world has exactly the same affect on every person; as no-one is the same. Most men have to weight up the pro’s and con’s to decide what is more important to them and whether they can deal with the side-effects, positive or negative if they occur.

Make sure you do your research to make an informed decision on how to deal with your hair loss issues. Talk to someone you know who may have been through a transplant or MHT^® so you can feel happy about your decision.

Find the full articles:

Patrick Strudwick http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2060809/Wayne-Rooney-hair-transplant-Hair-loss-cure-help-boost-performance.html

Men’s Journal http://www.mensjournal.com/the-not-so-hard-truth-about-hair-loss-drugs

Several studies have been conducted to look at whether Propecia works for hair loss in men. One study looked at using it in men for male pattern baldness with hair loss at the very top of the head. At the beginning, the men who took Propecia grew new hair, while the men who took the placebo continued to lose hair. After about a year, the increase in new hair growth stopped for the men on Propecia, and these men started to slowly lose their hair again. However, the hair loss was much slower for the men taking Propecia than for the men who were taking the placebo.

After taking Propecia for five years, 48 percent of men had increased hair growth, 42 percent had no change (the hair loss had stopped), and 10 percent had lost hair. For the men who were taking the placebo, 75 percent had lost hair after five years. Also, once men stopped taking Propecia, the beneficial effects for hair loss wore off over one year.

Propecia has also been shown to be effective in treating male pattern baldness with hair loss on the front and center of the head. However, the drug has never been shown to work for hair loss near the temples.

So whats the problem with Propecia?

With overwhelming evidence to confirm the effectiveness of Propecia (Finasteride), one might ask why every man isn’t popping the pill. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks. You see, whether we like it or not, losing ones hair (in most cases) is a perfectly natural consequence of the ageing process, depending of course on the genes we inherited. To intervene in such a process is, as with all medications, forcing the body to behave in a way that it against its will. Often we can get away with such intervention, however many men experience side effects as a result of taking Propecia.

According to ScienceDaily.com, the side effects can be severe. As they put it:

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine, in collaboration with colleagues at Lahey Clinic and from Denmark and Germany, have found that 5a-reductase inhibitors (5a-RIs), while improving urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possible hair loss prevention, produces significant adverse effects in some individuals including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction and potential depression. These findings, which currently appear on-line in Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggest that extreme caution should be exercised prior to prescribing 5a-RIs therapy to patients for hair growth or for BPH symptoms.

According to the researchers, the adverse side effects of 5a-RIs on sexual function, gynecomastia and the impact on the overall health have received minimal attention. However, in some patients, these side effects are persistent with regard to sexual function and with an emotional toll including decreased quality of life.

“The potential widespread use of 5a-RIs for treatment of BPH, prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss may produce undesirable adverse side effects on overall health and in particular, vascular health and sexual function in a subgroup of susceptible patients, ” said lead author Abdulmaged M. Traish, MBA, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and professor of Urology at BUSM. “Furthermore, treatment of hair loss, a benign condition with 5a-RIs may produce persistent side effects in a number of young patients,” he added

What is the likelihood of experiencing side effects from Propecia?

This, of course, is the million dollar question. It is common knowledge that Propecia can cause several unpleasant side effects, most notably erectile dysfunction, but what proportion of men actually have this problem, and how many get away with no side effects at all?

As with all drugs, some people will experience side effects and some will not. Our own experience through discussions with our clients, would indicate at least a third of people taking Propecia experienced undesirable side effects to some degree, however basing our assumptions on just our own clients is unlikely to provide an accurate picture, as we only meet those people who remain dissatisfied with other solutions. The real figure is likely to be less than a third of men taking the drug.

A viable, independent clinical trial has never been conducted to assess the proportion of men who experience side effects, only trials to analyse the side effects themselves have taken place. The manufacturer (Merck) has no real incentive to conduct such a trial, and unless an independent body does so, such a trial is unlikely to take place.

Should you still take Propecia?

HIS will stop short of recommending a drug that we do not yet fully understand. What is clear, however, is that Propecia is used successfully by many thousands of men around the world to slow or prevent hair loss. Only you can assess for yourself whether or not the potential side effects of Propecia are too significant.

This is a difficult decision, given that many men do not experience any side effects at all. On the plus side, most people agree that any side effects are not permanent, and will cease shortly after the course of treatment is halted.

We believe that the majority of people considering treatments such as a hair transplant, MHT or hair systems have tried Propecia at some point. Perhaps if any side effects are only temporary, it may be worth trying Propecia for a few months (we’d suggest at least six) to see how it performs. If side effects are experienced, we’d certainly recommend you stop taking Propecia right away.

A final note. Although Propecia can be bought online with a digital prescription, we still recommend consulting a suitably qualified medical practitioner prior to taking Propecia, Proscar or any other drug containing Finasteride.

Somehow, Matthew McConaughey has regrown his hair, and recovered hair in areas where it had been receding. Look how thick his hair is now, without even a hint of recession. So how did McConaughey do it?

Matthew McConoughey’s most likely hair loss solution

The look that Matthew McConoughey has achieved certainly looks very natural. It is very likely however, that Matthew has benefitted from the skills of a particularly good hair transplant surgeon.

It is also probable that other solutions have been used too, most likely Finasteride (found in Propecia) and Minoxidil (found in Rogaine and Provillus). That said, many celebrities prefer to adopt natural hair loss treatment options, generally supplement based such as Advecia, often containing ingredients such as Saw Palmetto or other vitamins for hair loss such as vitamin B6.

There may be some truth behind the Matthew McConoughey hair transplant rumours, however it is highly likely that other hair loss remedies were also used to create the look he now enjoys.

Matthew McConaughey was born in Uvalde, Texas in the United States of America, but grew up in Longview, Texas where he graduated from the local High School in 1988. Showing little interest in his father’s oil business which his two brothers later joined, Matthew McConoughey embarked upon an acting career in 1991, and the rest as they say, is history.

How does Finasteride work?

It is medically known that the gradual thinning of successive hair, and the eventual loss of hair on the scalp in men, can be caused by the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride works by inhibiting Type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. In doing so it reduces the level of DHT in the scalp which can shorten the hair growth cycle, and allows hairs to revert back to a normal growth cycle.

Clinical Trials conducted on thousands of men all draw pretty much the same conclusion – Finasteride can work very well for hair loss sufferers, however it does depend on the individual. Those using Finasteride in the hope of regrowing lost hair will be disappointed. If however your hair is still thinning, Finasteride may help to restore density and thickness. Finasteride does not work for everyone, however a trial period of at least 6 months is required to assess its effectiveness.

How often do I take it?

Propecia tablets are to be taken once daily. Please note that Finasteride tablets are supplied for hair loss in a 1mg dosage. Pills of up to 5mg are available for treating an enlarged prostate, however there is no evidence to suggest that a higher dosage makes any difference for hair loss sufferers.

Are there any side effects?

Finasteride is very well tolerated in men, however a small proportion of patients do suffer some side effects. These can include headaches, allergic reaction, impotency and decrease in libido. These are however, often temporary and resolve when medication is stopped. Official figures show that only 2% of men experience any side effects.

Is it worth trying Finasteride?

If you still have a significant amount of remaining hair, then probably yes. Finasteride, or Propecia as it is more commonly known, is the worlds most widely used hair loss treatment. Many hair loss sufferers swear by it, however for others the drug produces no benefits whatsoever. Only through personal usage will you be able to assess the solution for yourself, however the relatively low risk makes it an attractive proposition for many people.

It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss, therefore it is understandable that many people wish to understand the various hair loss causes, and why specifically, it is affecting them in particular.

What causes excessive hair loss?

There are a number of excessive hair loss causes, however the most common cause unfortunately, is genetics. Hair loss often skips generations, so it is not necessarily the fault of your immediate parents. For most men with a family history of hair loss, there is little that can be done to absolutely ‘cure’ the loss of your hair.

There are however, other hair loss causes that may be applicable, depending on your circumstances:

About 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary.

Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they’ve had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.

Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Can certain hairstyles or treatments cause hair loss?

Yes. Men or women sporting tight hairstyles that pull on your hair, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called “perms”) may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss.

What is common baldness?

“Common baldness” is usually a reference to male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head.

Women may develop female pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp.

Can my doctor do something to stop hair loss?

Perhaps. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions about your diet, any medicines you’re taking, whether you’ve had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you’re a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) of your scalp may be needed.

Is there any treatment for hair loss?

Depending on which of the above hair loss causes is affecting you, treatments may be available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Recognising and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss.

Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of male pattern baldness. One medicine called Minoxidil (branded as Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp, and both men and women can use it. Another medicine, Finasteride (branded as Propecia), is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working. Procerin is another medication available.

Drugs such as Rogaine, Propecia or Procerin may help to reduce hair loss, however their effectiveness is an issue of much debate. What is certain however, is that such drugs do not work for everyone.

What about MHT^®?

MHT^®, or Micro Hair Technique, offered by HIS Hair Clinics is not a cure for hair loss, and will not therefore, enable your hair to grow back. It does, however, provide a very effective camouflage for hair loss, that unlike wigs or temporary concealers, offers a permanent solution for hair loss sufferers.

For more information, see our before and after photos, contact our existing clients in our hair loss forum, or contact us directly to ask any questions you may have.

As far as your options are concerned, there are a multitude of hair loss products available, each claiming to work in a slightly different way, but all ultimately promising one of the following:

1. Prevention of hair loss

2. Reduction of hair loss

3. Regeneration of lost hair

4. A cover-up for baldness

Whilst it can be tempting, especially for those who are affected emotionally or psychologically by their hair loss, to try any product that claims to work, it pays to learn a little more about each option before reaching for your credit card. Here, we briefly explain what some of the most popular hair loss products claim to do, including links to more in-depth information about each one.

Are these hair loss products any good?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as a hair loss product that may be right for one person, might not necessarily be right for someone else.

As yet, we have not seen any firm evidence of a product that can be classed as a hair loss cure, however hair loss sufferers around the world have each discovered their own findings.

To ask people who have used these products about their own experiences, visit our hair loss forum.

Popular hair loss products

Hair Thickening Shampoo

There are several hair loss shampoos available that claim to slow down, or even stop hair loss. The most popular amongst these are Revivogen and Nanogen Nanoguard.

Revivogen is a shampoo made from natural ingredients, that is marketed for the prevention of hair loss. Very little is known about Revivogen shampoo and conditioner. Several HIS clients have tried Revivogen with mixed results, however the general consensus is that the product may offer mild benefits, but does not prevent hair loss entirely.

Nanogen Nanoguard is part of a vast range of branded hair loss products, marketed by Nanogen, a laboratory based in the UK. The manufacturer claims that the product can reduce hair loss, and recommends that it be used in conjunction with another product called Nanogen Nanogaine. The information we have gained via our clients is limited, therefore it is up to the individual to decide whether they would like to trial Nanogaine for themselves.

Hair Loss Pills

Pills to combat thinning hair are amongst the most popular hair loss products available. By far, the most common is Propecia, a tablet based on the active ingredient Finasteride. Another common product is Procerin, a pill that even claims to enable lost hair to regrow.

Propecia is a DHT blocker. DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that is created naturally by the human body, and is widely blamed as a common cause of hair loss in men. Propecia claims to prevent the hormone from affecting hair follicles in the scalp, consequently preventing or slowing hair loss. Although there is some evidence to suggest that the product may offer benefits to some people, for many it does not. Propecia can cause side effects in some patients, including erectile dysfunction and a reduction in semen production.

Procerin claims to slow the chemical reaction caused by DHT, therefore providing benefits to hair loss suffers that are similar to those offered by Propecia.

Topical Lotions

Put simply, these products are applied to the scalp on a daily, or twice-daily basis, and claim to reduce or prevent hair loss. The most common products available include Rogaine and Nanogen Nanogaine.

Rogaine contains the active ingredient Minoxidil, and is available as either a foam or lotion. Rogaine is applied directly to the scalp. Exactly how Rogaine works is not entirely understood. It claims to dilate blood vessels in the scalp, possibly improving hair follicle function and in turn, stimulating the growth of hair. Reviews of the Rogaine hair loss product are mixed.

Nanogaine is a topical solution that is applied daily. Whilst Rogaine is soluble in alcohol, Nanogaine is soluble in water, making it arguably less damaging to the scalp. As with many hair loss products, reviews are mixed. It appears that the product can offer benefits, but not necessarily to all hair loss sufferers.

Temporary Concealers

Concealers are hair loss products that do not claim to prevent hair loss, only to disguise baldness, making existing hair appear thicker and fuller. The most popular products include DermMatch, Nanogen Nanofibres and Toppik.

All temporary concealers work in a similar way, coating and extending remaining hair on the scalp to cover up balding areas. The results these products can achieve are fairly impressive, however they do not provide a long term solution for those suffering advanced hair loss, because they all rely on the existence of at least a small amount of hair to cling to. The thinner the hair, the less effective they become. Concealers may provide short term relief for some people, who still have sufficient hair remaining.

Hair Systems

Commonly known as wigs, toupees or hair units, hair systems are used by many hair loss suffers as they provide an instant solution to hair loss.

As with all hair loss solutions, hair systems offer advantages and disadvantages. Systems can be expensive to buy and maintain, and are reported by many users to be difficult to live with, as a wig remains in place for up to 6-8 weeks before it can be removed. There is also the possibility of skin damage caused by the adhesives used to hold the system in place.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Finally, one of the most common options is to consider a hair transplant procedure. Hair transplant procedures do provide a solution for many thousands of men, however it is important to fully understand the procedure, and find a surgeon you are happy with, before committing to any treatment.

Patients are sometimes left with a hair transplant scar, or a collection of smaller scars, depending on the transplant method. HIS Hair Clinics commonly apply the MHT^® technique to camouflage these scars. Also, a combination of hair transplant and MHT^® treatment can produce very impressive results. This combination is particularly useful for those with insufficient donor hair for the hair density they desire.

The MHT Micro Hair Technique

The MHT technique was developed by HIS Hair Clinics to provide a safe, permanent, undetectable solution for hair loss. The technique is based around a highly sophisticated scalp pigmentation method, in which individual hair follicles are recreated to give the appearance of a full head of hair, with a close cropped, modern style.

Shabaz (above) had a rapidly thinning head of hair before his treatment. The change in his appearance has had a positive effect, on every aspect of his life. Results of this standard are routine, in fact, we are proud to hold a 100% client satisfaction record.

For further information, please see our hair loss treatments section, or for information about specific hair loss products, click on the various links above. Feel free to speak with our existing clients in our hair loss forum, or you can contact us directly for free and impartial hair loss advice.

Propecia is the worlds most popular pill for the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness on the vertex (top of the head) and anterior (mid scalp area). Propecia is FDA approved and is widely used.

The drug claims to work effectively for a large proportion of men suffering from hair loss by slowing the shedding of hair and in a few cases, regenerating lost hair. Studies used to back this claim are based on men aged 18 to 41 with mild hair loss, however there is no evidence to suggest that propecia combats hair loss around the temple area.

What is DHT?

Increased levels of DHT, one of many hormones found in the male body, is one of the factors blamed for hair loss. It is believed by many that DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Testosterone is converted to DHT as part of a natural human process, however whilst DHT is important to development early in a mans life, as the person ages DHT in the body can reach excessive levels. Researchers have found that some men suffering from Male Pattern Baldness have increased levels of DHT in the balding areas of their scalps.

Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase, and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in a thinning of the hair on the scalp.

How does Propecia work?

The active ingredient of Propecia is called Finasteride, which claims to block the formation of DHT in the male body. By reducing the production of DHT, the manufacturers claim that there is insufficient DHT remaining to cause significant shrinkage of the hair follicle, therefore enabling the follicle to produce and accommodate hair as normal.

Important information about Propecia

As with many treatments that manipulate the production of hormones, there are several documented side effects that may be experienced. These include a reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction and a reduction in semen production.

Given the fact that most hair loss sufferers are looking to improve confidence and self-esteem, these side effects could simply mean that one problem is replaced with another. It should be added however, that these side effects are rare, and are not experienced by the majority of users.

Propecia is for use by men only. Especially dangerous is the use of Propecia by pregnant women as Finasteride may cause abnormalities of the sex organs of a male baby.

How much does it cost?

Should a user stop taking Propecia, any positive effects will gradually disappear, meaning this drug must be taken for the lifetime of the individual. Ongoing use will cost approximately GBP £35 per month (around USD $57).

We met a new client today who has spent over $50,000 USD on hair transplant surgery, yet feels no happier for it because the results didn’t turn out the way he wanted. We meet people like this all the time who are just looking for a straightforward solution, yet somehow always get led down the garden path with false promises.

Just lately, we’ve had a lot of customers talking about a pill called Propecia, containing the active ingredient Finasteride. The product is fairly well known, although first hand accounts of its effectiveness vary greatly. Many such accounts are written by the same companies trying to sell Propecia so the opinions are hardly likely to be unbiased.

We wrote a quick article on the product so if you’d like a more balanced view, see our Propecia page.