blowdry

Researchers have discovered that an FDA-approved arthritis drug may hold the secret to curing hairlessness. A new paper published by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine announced the first reported successful targeted treatment of alopecia universalis—a condition that causes loss of all hair on one's head and body. The subject of the study, a 25-year-old man grew back his eyebrows, eyelashes, and other hair after an eight-month course of Pfizer's tofacitinib.

Excellent read and info. I hope it helps someone else.................... Pelvic Pain Syndromes in Men - Manhattan, New York City, NY

I was on Propecia for two years. Besides wanting to "shop for curtains" and some other sides I had come down with prostratis. After lots of researching and reading about prostratis It lead me to PFD 'Pelvic Floor Disfunction". I had a PFD evaluation today and the PT confirmed that I had PFD. What does this all mean? Well, if someone quit propecia and the sides didn't disappear or you have prostratis, read PFD and get checked out for it before you blame it on Propecia. I will not go back on that drug becuase it caused digestive issue, water weight and loss of sexual desire. fyi BDry

Well said Bobilero. People get use to the New Normal.

I agree with the Lad, that propecia is a bad drug and sooner or later dependent upon your age will feel the adverse effects of the drug. It gave me prostratis. So I asked my urologist if propecia is given to patients who suffer prostratis, how can it cause it. His head looked straight down. 2% my ass..........................................................:mad:

I think the difference could be that Men with BPH have a medical problem so they are put on Proscar versus Men that are normal and use propecia. The prostrate is large so less reduce the DHT to make it smaller vs the prostrate is normal so lets fuck it up................just my take.......................... "I do think it's strange however, that many Propecia users are having these lasting sexual side effects when you don't hear the same thing from men on Proscar for BPH. Could symptoms be psychooematic or is there some other variable responsible for this?"

If its a mechanical issue, there would be no traces in the blood test.......

DISpHAIR. Pale's point is that he took the medication knowing that if he stopped he would return to normal. At least that is what Merk proclaimed. fyi

That is what the drug was designed for, help prostate problems. Not growing hair and screwing up your prostate.

In addition to Revita shampoo, I would think that the 2% zinc shampoo would be beneficial due to its anti inflammatory properties.

Ketoconazole and reduction of follicular dermatophyte-mediated alopecia. There is one mode of action of topical Ketoconazole—it kills dermatophytes such as malassezia that play a pathogenic role in various skin conditions including folliculitis, pityriasis verslccolor and seborrhoeic dermatitis (1), and trichomycoses—diseases of the hair (2), among others. Based on scientific observations malassezia resides on the skin and in upper part of the follicle, called the follicular infundibulum and are unique among the fungus as the only species to form part of the normal, human cutaneous microbial flora.(3), (4). Dermatophytes, such as malassezia, have an affinity to hair and this can be witnessed in the laboratory. For example when isolating fungal cultures from soil to conduct research, scientists use what is called the hair-bait technique, whereby they place sterile hair in soil and observe as dermatophytes in the soil start invading the hair, producing colonies using hair as the substrate.(5). For many people malassezia can exist on the skin and follicles as commensals, (living on or within another organism, and deriving benefit without harming or benefiting the host) with minimum immune system stimulation. For others however, malassezia is either able to cause or exacerbate various skin conditions.(6) Malassezia's influence on IL-4 and TNF-α in the pathogenisis of alopecia Exosomes, or nano-vesicles, are small 30-90 nanometer vesicles that are released from cells.(7) They play a key role in cell communication and signaling but are significantly elevated in a number of diseases.(8) Just recently (2011) it has been scientifically demonstrated and published that malassezia, which resides in the follicle infundibulum, releases exosomes that carry allergens that induce Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (9). TNF-α specifically can induce inflammation and cell apptosis. TNF-α and loss of follicular immune privileges. As far as the connection between malassezia to TNF-α induced inflammation is concerned, the slow, subtle process of micro-inflammation is highly regarded as the cause. Since there is little or no pain associated with micro-inflammation, in contrast to scarring alopecias,(10) it is very easy to disassociate the possibility of micro-inflammation in the pathogenesis of hair loss. Reports of dermatological studies have noted that follicular micro-inflammation plays an integral role in the pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia (11). The hair follicle is known to possess immune privileges by producing immunosuppressive cytokines.(12) Active, healthy follicle stem cells maintain this type of immunosuppressive mechanism that appears to restrict immune system injury. It is written that micro-inflammation may cause damage to follicle stem cells and the follicles loose their "no danger" immunosuppressive attributes and are no longer protected from immune-mediated attack, which can lead to permanent loss of follicles (13) (14) as seen in common baldness.(15) IL-4 Interlinking cascade & tissue damage. IL-4 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that produces various biological effects. Traditionally, IL-4 was regarded mainly as a protective, anti-inflammatory cytokine.(16) However early studies have shown that serum levels of IL-4 are notably elevated in those with localized alopecia areata.(17) Recent research has demonstrated the dual roles of IL-4 as both a suppressive and pro-inflammatory cytokine.(18) Most interestingly through a variety of mechanisms, IL-4 expression has been shown to increase TNF-α.(19) Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell produced by bone marrow and circulate at relatively low levels (1-3%) in the blood and their job is to protect the body by killing microogranisms. They can excessively accumulate in tissues in response to antigenic stimulation or tissue damage.(20) Eosinophils are also considered to play an important role in allergic disease by causing tissue damage through the release of toxic proteases, lipid mediators, cytokines and oxygen free radicals.(21) Human eotaxin is an amino acid residue polypeptide that is produced by a number of normal cells and cell lines. Eotaxin has been shown to directly prime and direct the migration of eosinophils.(22) TNF-α & IL-4 and the eotaxin relationship What is interesting to note here is that when both TNF-α and IL-4 are expressed together there is a dramatic increase in eotaxin production, e.g. In a culture medium experiment when keratocytes were incubated with TNF-α or IL-4 alone there was only a small effect on eotaxin release. However exposure to the cells with TNF-α in combination with IL-4 resulted in a marked increase in eotaxin production.(23) Immunoglobulin E (IgE) - antibodies that fight malassezia The following question begs to be answered: Since malassezia is common in human skin and hair why do only certain people experience the associated diseases? For one, there are many species of malassezia, and each or a combination of them may be specific to certain skin diseases. (24) Secondly, the immune system plays a protective role. It was demonstrated when comparing healthy subject to those affected by atopic dermatitis, a more common disease associated with malassezia, healthy subjects had specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against malassezia.(25) Dietary and lifestyle habits play an import part in health and disease. Interventions that strengthen the immune system may be a logical adjunct therapy. It has been demonstrated that Vitamin D strengthens the human immune system,(26) and that vitamin D deficiency is associated with the severity of atopic dermatitis.(27) An underdeveloped or compromised immune system might cause or increase cutaneous and follicular dermatophyte activity and could explain one reason why young children (27) and older adults (28) and AIDS patients experience immune-mediated dermatophyte-associated diseases such as dermatitis.(29) Conclusion - Connecting the dots What can be extrapolated from my research is that dermatophytes do in fact have an affinity to hair, and malassezia specifically can be found the the human hair follicle residing as a commensal or an allergenic. Malasseza induces the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-4. IL4 also induces TNF-a, creating an even greater expression of TNF-a. Both together increase eotaxin significantly which in turn primes and directs the migration of eosinophils (white blood cells) to the follicles where malasseza resides. Micro-inflammation induced by TNF-a damages follicle stem cells which in turn loose their immunosuppressive attributes being left open to attack and tissue damage by eosinophils of the innate immune system. The clearance of malassezia via topical anti-fungal agents such as ketoconazole would in-turn eliminate the associated release of exosomes and resulting inflammation, restoring normal, follicle stem cell activity, follicular immune privileges and immune reactions. Hair loss from malassezias' cascade of events could be reduced or thwarted. I present this very probable mode of action of malassezia and one reason why topical anti-fungal agents like ketoconazole has become an effective adjunct therapy for attenuating or reversing the associated, cutaneous and follicular diseases. ___________________________________________ References: (1) Recenti Prog Med. 2011 Mar;102(3):126-33. (2) Int J Trichology. 2009 Jul;1(2):100-7. (3) Br J Dermatol. 2011 Oct;165 Suppl 2:2-8. (4) Clin Microbiol Rev. 2002 January; 15(1): 21–57. (5) Mycoses. 2011 Nov;54(6):e789-94. (6) The Yeast Handbook, 2010; Chapter 10: Malassezia - H. Ruth Ashbee and Annika Scheynius (7) Commun Integr Biol. 2010 Sep-Oct; 3(5): 447–450. (8) Immunol Lett. 2006 Nov 15;107(2):102-8. (9) PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e21480 - Ulf Gehrmann, et al. Clinical Allergy Research Unit, Stockholm, Sweden. (10) Int J Dermatol. 2000 Aug;39(8):576-84. (11) J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009 Jun;8(2):83-91. (12) J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2003 Oct;8(2):168-72. (13) Autoimmun Rev. 2009 May;8(6):474-7. (14) Clin Exp Dermatol. 2010 Aug;35(6):637-44. (15) Nature biotechnology 2004, R.J Morris, et al. (16) Immunol Today. 1996 May;17(5):225-3. (17) Acta Derm Venereol. 1996 Nov;76(6):421-3. (18) Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2010 May;6(5):519-31. (19) J Immunol. 2002 Mar 1;168(5):2456-63. (20) American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders / apfed.org / accessed:10/30/2011 (21) Gac Med Mex. 2006 Mar-Apr;142(2):139-44. (22) J Exp Med. 1994 Mar 1;179(3):881-7. (23) Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000 May;41(6):1448-53. (24) J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 November; 2(11): 14–17. (25) J Clin Microbiol. 2001 October; 39(10): 3486–3490. (26) Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2011 Oct 13. (27) Br J Dermatol. 2011 May;164(5):1078-82. (28) Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2009 Dec;8(5):398-404. (29) J Immunotoxicol. 2008 Apr;5(2):159-62.

I dont know the reason. Maybe SPEX will chime in.....

I heard that Feller has stopped PRP treatments???

I was on the drug for approx. two years and suffered some side effects along the way, including water retention. Towards the end of the two years while still on the drug I experienced prostratis. I then stopped taking the drug advised by my urologist and things got worse. After weeks of taking antibiotics, I still had very weak orgasms, which took very long to achieve. I also could not empty my bladder fully. Well after the digital rectal exam with one urologist and then talking to my friend, I realized that I didn't feel his fingers on my prostrate at all!!!!. Months later I went to another urologist and didn't feel his fingers on my prostrate as well. So I read and researched and found out about prostrate massage. They sell the Helix version so I bought that version and started to do prostrate massages. At first it was a little uncomfortable, but the more I did it I felt better. At my next appointment at the urologist, he said my bladder was emptying better. During the digital exam I felt his fingers on my prostrate!!!. The drug clogs the tissue in the prostrate that antibiotics can't get too. Its inflammation that you need to massage away and return blood flow. I feel much better now and orgasms feel much better as well. Remember if there is inflammation in the prostrate, all kind of side effects will happen. I wrote this to help out anyone else who has suffered and not to bash the drug...........

I quit after two years of the drug. The first year I took 1 mg a day and eventually retained water weight of 15 pounds. Also orgasms didn't feel as good and peeing was not as strong. I then reduced the dose to .5mg and then to .5mg every other day. My weight dropped 8 pounds but still had the other symptoms. In May after I had prostratis I stopped. 6 weeks of Cipro and I have gotten better but not 100 %. I was told that the drug softens the prostrate and could congest the seminal vessels. Its been four months since I quit and hope to return to normal soon. Who knows. My weight returned to normal and my body feels better. Digestion feels better too.

It is Propecia, but I am looking for people who share the same experience as me and what they did to correct it, ie reduced dosage even more or spread the dosage out further. thanks all

I have been on propecia for a couple of years, but recently started a relationship. I reduced my dosage from 1mg a day to .5 every other day. Getting an erection is no problem, but having an orgasm is because the sensitive part towards the underside of the penis is not as sensitive as before. It doesnt happen all the time but more often then not. Its great for my GF because i can stay hard for 90 minutes or more. But its not good for me. Its even hard for me to get off, it takes longer then usual. So does this sound familiar to anyone??? and if so how did you correct it?.

Go to life extension . org They have the highest quality products and are backed by the company. They do reserch as well. Look for Ultra Prostrate formula. Good luck and good reading

Thanks Bill, I thought it was quite obvious that It was not my reserch on this subject. Life Extension is the forum where I frequent and buy their top notch products. All I was doing was being a condiut of possibly helpful information. R

Here is another one.Generic Drug Rip Off http://www.lef.org/magazine/ma...-Drug-Rip-Off_01.htm Who is looking out for you??

Read the entire article and expand your knowledge of what is really happening..enjoy!! http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-...ry=FDA&hiword=FDA%20

Super Absorbable Tocotrienols combats the underlying causes of hair loss, supporting otherwise healthy hair follicles that genetic disposition, advancing age, high concentrations of DHT (the male hormone dihydrotestosterone), and sebum build-up may cause to weaken, degrade or shrink. Super Absorbable Tocotrienols, a natural, orally administered, bio-enhanced tocotrienol complex, can be taken to support youthful hair thickness and growth. A revolutionary, patented delivery system ensures optimal absorption2-7 and efficiently delivers the benefits of a unique proprietary complex of naturally extracted phytonutrients (squalene, phytosterols and trace amounts of mixed carotene) together with tocotrienols to support youthful hair growth, hair health and hair density. In a study involving 30 volunteers who took tocotrienol supplements for eight months, nearly all subjects showed significant improvement in hair thickness and density.1

http://findarticles.com/p/arti...27/?tag=content;col1

Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) or known as the creosote bush is common in the Sonoran deserts of Mexico and the American southwest. The leaves and stems of L. tridentata contain high quantities of the phenolic compound: nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). In a recent study printed in the 2009 addition of; European Journal of Pharmacology conducted by: U.C. San Francisco department of medicine concluded: "NDGA blocks the DHT-induced growth of LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells by several mechanisms including rapid inhibition of the IGF-1R kinase, and a dose-dependent inhibition of androgen stimulation of IGF-1R expression." In another study conducted by: Division of Diabetes and Endocrine Research at San Francisco/Mt. Zion Medical Center and published in; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment stated: "We can now attribute certain of these anti-cancer properties in breast cancer cells to the ability of NDGA to directly inhibit the function of two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) and the c-erbB2/HER2/neu (HER2/neu) receptor." Combined research from Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Central University, Taiwan; and Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, concluded: "A series of new nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivatives were prepared and screened, which exhibited inhibitory activity against HIV ... These new compounds exerted appealing activity against HIV Tat-regulated transactivation in human epithelial cells." An earlier study was published conducted by Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; The Ben May Institute for Cancer Research; and The Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, University of Chicago which demonstrated a direct inhibition of 5?±-reductase type I, which can prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has been well documented that DHT is the primary cause of androgenic alopecia among other androgen-dependent disorders such as prostate cancer. The study states (paraphrased): "Certain natural products contain components that are inhibitors of 5?±-reductase. Some compounds were more effective inhibitors of the type 1 isozyme, including nordihydroguaiaretic acid NDGA among others" Chaparral side effects: Several cases have been reported which include; allergic reactions including rashes, itching, inflammation of the mouth and fever. In some reported cased ingestion of chaparral has lead to hepatoxicity and kidney failure. It may also increase blood sugar levels an act as a blood thinner. Chaparral drugs interactions: Chaparral may also cause an under-expression of the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 causing the levels of other drugs or supplements to rise leading to drug side effects.

You should have your thyroid and para throid checked. An over active parathyroid could cause excess calcium in your blood. So an under active would have the reverse effect.