Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT April 2004 Congratulations! You have been selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration of your hair. In This Issue: · Natural Remedies For Androgenetic Alopecia · Give Us Your Feedback · Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation · One-On-One with the Doctor ------------------------------------------------- Natural Remedies For Androgenetic AlopeciaWe find that people either have complete faith in homeopathic, natural remedies and cure-alls or they have no faith whatsoever. Most medical professionals understand that there is significant value in natural herbs, vitamins and minerals, but some of the claims naturalists and osteopaths make regarding treatment benefits found in natural remedies are untested, unproven and generally untrue for most of us. And it’s important to keep in mind that currently there are only two FDA-approved products to combat hair loss – Rogaine® (minoxidil) and Propecia® (finasteride). That being said, the following is a list of the most common and popular natural remedies to halt the effects of androgentic alopecia. Known as “Natural Propecia” or “Natural DHT-blockers,” they claim to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), whose effects are known to be the primary cause of hair loss in men. Still, the most important decision you can make when considering a hair restoration treatment plan is the physician himself. Dr. Randall Sword has helped more Southern California men and women recover from hair loss than any other practicing physician. We can help you too. Natural RemediesZincZinc has been shown to be a beneficial vitamin in the treatment of both Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia. Oral Zinc has been shown to be of benefit in Alopecia Areata and seems to have an immunomodulatory effect. There have been studies in which Zinc is shown to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity, and it is therefore concluded that Zinc is beneficial in diseases and disorders related to an excess in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) such as Androgenetic Alopecia, benign prostatic hyperplasma and acne. There have been studies that have shown that vitamin B6, Zinc and Azelaic Acid combined together, even at very low concentrations caused a 90% inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase activity. Zinc is a vitamin that is used in other disorders related to excess dihydrotestosterone, such as acne and prostatic disease. One may be likely to assume that as it is of benefit in treating these types of androgen dependent conditions then it may be of some benefit in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Topical application of Zinc has shown to reduce sebum production and acne. Also some people suffering from acne have been found to have Zinc deficiencies in their skin, inspite of the fact that they may have normal levels within their bloodstream. Animal studies have shown that administration of topical Zinc solutions resulted in an increase in hair growth. Saw Palmetto / Serenoa RepensSaw Palmetto extract comes from berries of the palm tree Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) which is indigenous to the Atlantic southeast coast of North America. Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen. It acts in a similar way that Propecia does. Firstly it lowers levels of DHT in the body by blocking 5 alpha-reductase. Secondly, Saw Palmetto blocks receptor sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT - although no studies have been carried out on Saw Palmetto and its relation to hair growth. Studies have been performed on the use of Saw Palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic disease which similar to Androgenetic Alopecia also depends on the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). All of the studies that have been performed to date show that Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and has shown conclusively to be effective in the treatment of benign prostate disease. One may assume from this that since Saw Palmetto is an effective antiandrogen and is used in the treatment of prostatic disease then it may also be effective in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. More and more people around the globe are starting to use Saw Palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasma and in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Saw Palmetto either by itself or combined with other products such as Zinc and vitamin B6 which have also shown to reduce DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase is also available in tablet form and can be purchased from most health stores and chemists. Saw Palmetto tablets are used by many in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasma and more recently has been used in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Gamma Linolenic AcidStudies carried out in 1992 suggested that unsaturated fatty acids such as Gamma Linolenic Acid play an important role in regulating androgen action in target cells. Studies carried out in 1994 show that certain unsaturated fatty acids such as Gamma Linolenic Acid are potent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and may be useful in the treatment of disorders related to DHT such as benign prostatic hyperplasma, acne, Androgenetic Alopecia and female hirsuitism.
Green TeaGreen Tea has been well documented for its therapeutic effects, and it is known to contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols which scavenge free radicals. Other components of Green Tea include caretenoids which are another group of natural antioxidants. Recently there has been some suggestion that Green Tea has an anti-androgenic effect on the body similar to that of Saw Palmetto. There are also Shampoos available that contain Green Tea Extract because of its beneficial effects on hair and skin. The polyphenols in Green Tea are powerful anti-oxidants which scavenge for free radicals. And in some studies the Green Tea extract has been shown to inhibit male hormones which are considered to be the underlying cause of androgenic alopecia. Vitamin B6It has been shown in studies that Zinc combined with vitamin B6 was able to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the skin. From this one may make the assumption that both Zinc and vitamin B6 may have some benefit in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as acne, and Androgenetic Alopecia. Also studies have shown that the amount of vitamin B6 within cells affects the response rate of cells to steroid hormones. Cells that are vitamin B6 deficient will become more responsive to steroid hormones. It can be assumed that cells that have a higher level of B6 within them will be less responsive to the hormones that can cause Androgenetic Alopecia and other disorders related to DHT. Vitamin B6 appears to have an important role in the treatment of androgen related disorders.Emu OilResearch has shown that Emu Oil contains a high level of linolenic acid which further research has shown to be an efficient antiandrogen. Linolenic acid is a potent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor and may be useful in the treatment of disorders related to the hormone dihydrotestosterone. Linolenic Acid has been suggested to be of use in the disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasma, acne, Androgenetic Alopecia and hirsuitism. And hair restoration products which contain Emu Oil have been recently patented. Studies in which Emu Oil was applied to mice demonstrated that the topical application of Emu Oil increased the synthesis of DNA in the epidermis, which is a measure of increase in the proliferative activity of the epidermis. The increase in pigmentation and hair of animals receiving Emu Oil demonstrates that the topical application of Emu Oil can stimulate melanogenesis and hair follicle development and growth. The histological analysis demonstrating an increase in the thickness of the epidermis and size and length of the hair follicle provides strong evidence that the topical application of Emu Oil stimulates skin growth, hair growth and induces the proliferation of the cells around the hair follicle. Stinging NettleFor thousands of years, the stem and leaves of the Nettle plant have been used medicinally. This plant contains a large amount of chlorophyll, vitamins A, B2, C, E and K, folic acid, histamine, acetylchlorline, formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, serotonin, 5-hydroxytrypaine, and an abundant mineral substance of iron, potassium, manganese and sulfur. Nettle has purifying properties and acts as an astringent that helps speed the metabolism and circulation. Nettle has been documented for its use in treating coughs, tuberculosis, arthritis and in stimulating hair growth. Nettle’s root affects hormones and proteins that carry sex hormones (such as testosterone or estrogen) in the human body, which may explain why this herb helps with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Traditional herbalists believed that Nettle tea was a great hair tonic and will bring back the natural color of hair. The leaves are an excellent blood purifier. Known topical applications for this herb include use as a shampoo, conditioner & hair rinse for dandruff, for stimulation of hair growth & prevention hair loss, as a cleanser for oily skin, and as an astringent facial cleaner. The common name “Nettle” also includes the species Urtica urens, Urtica gracilis, Urtica californica, and Urtica holosericea, which are used interchangeably with Urtica dioica. If you have any questions or if there is anything we can do for you, don’t hesitate contacting us. Best regards, 
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