Propecia Gets OK From The WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)
October 28, 2008
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Zach Lund Received a One Year Ban in 2006
Pro athletes can rejoice in knowing that they no longer have to choose between their careers and maintaining their potential multimillion dollar image.
News that Propecia will be taken off the World Anti-Doping Agency’s “banned” list has been received with cheers from the world’s follically-challenged athletes, but is it too little too late for those who have already suffered career shattering blows from the anti-doping agency?
Some athletes say that it is.
New Zealand tennis pro Mark Nelson’s career has all but grinded to a halt after being banned for two years just because he wanted to save his hair. His world ranking has dropped dramatically, making it very difficult to recoup from his forced hiatus from the sport.
Other professional athletes who have tested positive for Propecia in recent years include NHL goalie Jose Theodore, Brazilian soccer legend Romário, Italian golfer Alessandro Pissilli, Zach Lund the U.S. skeleton racer, and German wheelchair basketball player Ahmet Coskun who was banned from the Paralympics after testing positive for the drug. [Read more]
FDA Warns HairMax LaserComb Makers About Illegal Sales of Non-FDA Cleared Devices
October 15, 2008
Los Angeles - U.S. Regulators have warned Lexington International, the makers of the highly touted and controversial HairMax LaserComb, to shape up or ship out.
In an FDA warning letter issued to David Michaels, Managing Director of Lexington International, LLC on May 22, 2008, FDA inspectors cite that the HairMax LaserComb® Premium and SE models, that are currently being sold to the public, differ from the cleared HairMax LaserComb in dose rate, method of delivery, and/or treatment parameters. According to the FDA these changes could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of these devices and therefore, pursuant to 21, CFR 807.81 (a)(3)(i), new 510(k) submissions are required in order to legally market these devices.
Interestingly enough HairMax LaserComb makers warn consumers about purchasing fraudulent, or less than effective laser devices on their own marketing website. [Read more]
Where Are The HairMax Lasercomb Studies?
October 14, 2008
Dear Spencer,
Months ago when you interviewed David Michaels, one of the inventors of the HairMax Lasercomb, he said that he was going to give you a copy of the study that Lexington presented to the FDA in order for the Lasercomb to gain market clearance, did you ever see the study, and if so what were your thoughts or any experts thoughts on it? - Chris
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Dear Chris,
I never did receive that study. The truth is I still haven’t seen any substantial evidence that the HairMax Lasercomb can effectively treat hair loss to any appreciable degree. I’m still waiting.
Regards,
Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)
Hair Loss Genes Discovered, What Does This Mean For Us?
October 14, 2008
Has science finally found the Holy Grail for the follically challenged? Probably not, but it does appear that we are getting closer.
Two articles published in Nature Genetics may help to better explain the genetic predisposition to male pattern hair loss, and to one day give scientists the ability to grow DHT resistant hair follicles for use in hair restoration.
The first article was published by researchers at McGill University, King’s College London and GlaxoSmithKline Inc. These researchers identified two genetic variants in men that together produce an increased incidence of male pattern hair loss that is seven times greater than those without these variants. [Read more]
Concerns About Shedding From Propecia - What Are The Chances It Will Occur?
October 7, 2008
I have spent countless hours researching hair loss including getting bombarded by television, radio, internet, etc etc. It’s nice to be able to read a website (The Bald Truth & IAHRS) and listen to someone with obvious knowledge in the field. I know you always write a disclaimer in your emails that you’re not a doctor but I’m willing to bet you know more about the subject of hair loss, physically and emotionally than 99% of the doctors out there.
I have 2 questions and I appreciate any time you put into responding. I am 32 years old and first noticed I started thinning when I was about 25. I haven’t done a thing for it but to be honest it’s been really gradual. I’m currently about a stage 3 on the scale (I forget the name) so it’s definitely time to either “shave it or save it”.
I am going to start using Propecia, hopefully I didn’t wait too long to get that working. I’m just wondering about the ’shedding’ phase. It doesn’t mention it on the Propecia website and I haven’t been able to find much credible information on this. I’m just wondering what the chances are of this occurring, and if it does happen how much shedding given the worst case scenario? [Read more]
Hair Transplant Talk: Dr. Robert Bernstein Appears On Oprah Today Oct. 7, 2008
October 7, 2008
Hair transplant surgeon and IAHRS accepted member, Dr. Robert Bernstein will be the guest hair transplant doctor on The Oprah Winfrey Show today, October 7th. on ABC. Dr. Bernstein will shed some light on
today’s state of the art hair transplant techniques. This is a great opportunity for the country to see that hair transplantation is a viable option for many men suffering with male pattern baldness and that the results can look completely natural.
This is a show you won’t want to miss!
**To View a Clip of The Show Visit The Homepage
Dealing With Hair Loss and My Concerns For The Future | Mike’s Hair Loss Story
October 3, 2008
It was a week or two before my 23rd birthday and while at work, I finally took a closer look in the mirror at what I believed were two extremely small bald spots at the temples. I thought it had something to do with my haircut, or the way my hair was combed, but even after my co workers told me it was nothing, I knew deep down that something bad was going on.
All my life I looked at my father’s side of the families terrible male pattern baldness. Growing up however, I never ever once thought that baldness could happen to me. I just felt that I wasn’t the type, and certainly didn’t have the “look” to go bald. Over on my mothers side, along with my maternal grandfather, it’s 100% full heads of hair. But fast forward a little over a year from that day at work, while having just turned 24, and my temples have now receded drastically to the point where I can barely cover them up anymore. Everyday is a struggle, having to worry about fixing my hair. [Read more]
