HAIR LOSS by DR. MANNING:
Many men are concerned about hair loss. By the age of 21, 25% of men are somewhat bald with a male pattern. At the age of 35, this figure is up to 66%. By 50 years of age, 85% of men will suffer from male baldness patterns.
The vast majority of baldness in men is due to a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). High levels of DHT cause the hair follicles to progressively miniaturize until the hair eventually stops growing. DHT is made in excessive amounts from testosterone in some men.
The testosterone is not the problem, the DHT is.
Treatments are directed at increasing blood flow to the hair follicle (minoxidil aka Rogaine), decreasing the excessive production of DHT (finasteride aka Propecia), and supplements to nourish the hair follicle (Nutrafol). I personally think the best results are obtained by using a combination of therapies.
We also have saliva genetic tests that give us very granular information regarding one’s genetic propensity to baldness.
We can do a blood test to see how high your DHT level is. If the DHT level in the blood is significantly elevated, using Finasteride 1mg in pill form can bring it down.
I personally favor taking the Finasteride on M, W, F because we do not want to completely block DHT production….some DHT is needed for libido and muscle growth.
A topical medication can be compounded that is applied directly to the scalp at bedtime……the medicine contains a combination of Finasteride, Minoxidil, caffeine, and arginine…..caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair growth and arginine is a vasodilator. We also carry a very good supplement in the clinic called Nutrafol. Nutrafol nourishes the hair follicle and stimulates hair growth.
The most important thing is to start as early as possible with treatment for hair loss. Our primary goal is to stop hair loss and preserve the hair you currently have. In my opinion, the best treatment is a combination of therapies:
1. Finasteride by mouth to decrease excessive DHT in the blood. 2. Finasteride, Minoxidil, caffeine, and arginine topically to the scalp at bedtime……..this decreases DHT in the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the hair follicle. 3. Nutrafol supplement by mouth daily……..this nourishes the hair follicle and stimulates hair growth.
For those men interested in a hair transplant, we can recommend the best place to go.
It is critical to go to the best for a natural looking result.
Dr. Manning
