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Hair loss drug leads to loss of libido

Scientists 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 suggest that extreme caution should be exercised prior to prescribing 5a-RIs therapy to patients for hair growth or for BPH symptoms.

The study has been conducted by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), in collaboration with colleagues at Lahey Clinic and from Denmark and Germany.

5a-RIs, finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride, have been approved for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms, due to BPH, with marked clinical efficacy. Finasteride is also approved for treatment of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Although the adverse side effects of these agents are thought to be minimal, the magnitude of adverse effects on sexual function, gynecomastia, depression, and quality of life remains ill-defined.

In order to determine the potential extent of this problem, the researchers examined the data reported in various clinical studies concerning the side effects of finasteride and dutasteride.

After a review of the literature the researchers found that in a subset of men, prolonged adverse effects on sexual function such as erectile dysfunction and diminished libido were reported, raising the possibility of a causal relationship.

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, 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.

“Honest and open discussion with patients to educate them on these serious issues must be pursued prior to commencing therapy because, in some patients, these adverse effects are persistent and may be prolonged and patients do not recover well after discontinuation from drug use,” cautioned Traish.

The researchers believe additional clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to determine the reason for why some of these adverse effects persist in some individuals.

The study appears on-line in Journal of Sexual Medicine .

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Japan's cosmetics firms meeting men's needs

Japanese cosmetics companies are rolling out new lines of skincare products aimed at men after wives and girlfriends got tired of sharing their moisturizers, toners and lotions.

Personal care companies have until recent years focused their male grooming products on the haircare sector – Japanese men pay just as much attention to their hair as women do – with styling products popular among younger generations and lines designed to stem hair loss and greying the key segment among older men.

But the demand for skincare products is a far more recent trend and in the first six month of 2010, total sales in terms of value were up 119.96 percent on the previous year, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

And with that sector worth a healthy Y9.8 billion (€85.44 million), cosmetics firms here are looking to expand their product ranges.

On September 11, the local venture between Germany’s Nivea brand and Japanese cosmetics giant Kao Co. released new skincare products for men, including an extra moisturizer balm that is designed to reduce dry and rough skin and a moisturizing shaving foam.

“Men’s skin is likely to be damaged due to abrasion from shaving, leading to reduced moisture content and higher sebum secretion,” Nivea-Kao Co., Ltd. said in a statement. “This skin problem is different from problems experienced by women.

“Nivea for Men products have been specifically applied to these skin problems, helping men cultivate more sophisticated face care habits beyond simply using aftershave.”

In a study, fully 60 percent of Japanese men who do not use skincare products say they are unhappy with the condition of their skin, with dry skin the top concern.

Unsurprisingly, Japanese men have turned to their partners for advice on the best way to protect their faces, with more than 90 percent of the companies with booths on the cosmetics floor of the Takashimaya department store in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district reporting having male as well as female customers.

The majority are aged between 20 and 40 and, because they have not previously paid much attention to their skin, generally have more damage to repair. Toners and lotions are the most popular products among male customers, although they are also buying skin-whitening lotions.

“Men feel comfortable about themselves when their skin condition is good,” Megumi Kinukawa, a spokeswoman for Shiseido Co., told Relaxnews. “They are aware of their own appearance, as well as the impression that makes on other people.”

Shiseido Men was first launched in Japan in 2004 – one year after the lines were released in Germany and Italy to meet demand caused by the “metrosexual boom,” according to Kinukawa. Today, the best-selling product on the domestic market is the hydrating lotion, which sells for Y3,000 (€26.16).

“Sales of Shiseido Men in Japan recorded double-digit growth every year until 2009,” she said. “Nowadays, Japanese men have no hesitation to going to the cosmetics counter at a department store.”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Have Great Hair This Summer: Hair Loss Products and Hair Treatments

Here at The Hair Centre of Trichology we offer a range of male and female hair loss prevention products.

For hair loss treatment in Males, we use natural based products to boost new growth, strengthen hair follicles and block the hormone DHT, especially where the hair loss is genetic.

Female hair loss can also be effectively treated with natural hair loss products. These include topical solutions that stabilise the hair root, strengthen and support the hair follicle and help the new hair to grow faster by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, especially where the hair loss is genetic.

The Hair Centre products for the hair and scalp are prepared by a Qualified Institute Registered Trichologist who is a Chartered Chemist with, and Fellow of, the Royal Society of Chemists.

“Why buy hair loss products over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

HAIRLOSS PRODUCTS

For someone who has just started to lose their hair, hairloss products like Vitastim and Biostim may be the idea solution. These hair loss products are approved and are proven to stop hair loss and regrow hair.

Other natural hair loss treatments that contain herbs like Saw Palmetto to help eliminate DHT are also available. Topical hair loss products like Biostim offer help for hairloss sufferers with no side effects associated with hair loss drugs.

Since there are a lot of hair loss scams consumers are advised to research carefully and not just buy any product purely based on testimonials on the internet. There are thousands of phony “hair loss cures” that to little to nothing to stop hairloss or regrow lost hair.

People with long term hair loss who are severely bald usually have very little success with hair loss products and are best suited to hair transplants or to non-surgical hair replacement or hair systems to conceal their baldness. Alternatively shaving ones head is also an option for men these days.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

Consumer Reports: Hair loss remedies

TAMPA, FL — Two-thirds of men start losing their hair before they turn 35, according to the American Hair Loss Association. If you’re concerned about hair loss, Consumer Reports National Research Center’s new survey can tell you which remedies work best.

Losing hair doesn’t seem to have hurt “cop out” movie star Bruce Willis’ career. 

But hair loss is traumatic for many people, according to a Consumer Reports survey of more than eight thousand subscribers. Here’s Todd Marks, “We asked people a broad spectrum of questions as to what worked and what didn’t when it came to treating pattern baldness.”

A prescription drug was by far the most effective treatment for men – though not available for women. It’s Finasteride, also sold under the brand name Propecia. Marks says, “When it came to Finasteride, 27 percent of those men we surveyed said it was very effective, and another 41 percent said it was somewhat effective. So there’s more hope with Finasteride than there is with almost anything else.”

The only other FDA-approved treatment for hair loss is Minoxidil, also sold as Rogaine. It’s approved for men and for women in lower doses. “Only four percent of those surveyed said it was very effective at treating hair loss.”

Dr. Robert Bernstein treats many patients for baldness. “Of the two, Propecia is a lot more effective. But we use both in many patients.”   

And for hiding hair loss, wearing a wig or toupee won the most praise, and doing what Bruce Willis does – shaving your head – along with dressing better and exercising.

As for women, Consumer Reports says those who attributed their hair loss to stress found changing their diet and exercise were relatively effective. Those surveyed did not include people who were losing their hair due to chemotherapy or chronic illness.

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help