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Step
3 - Evaluate the Available Treatments
Ready to stop your hair loss? Here are some first steps to take
that will get you on the road to taking control of this very unenjoyable
dilemma.
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First
Steps to Combating Hair Loss |
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In Step 1 we established that the major cause
of Male Pattern Baldness is directly related to hormonal issues. Specifically,
the interaction of the hormone DHT, and Androgens. We have also established
that a bad scalp environment (inflammation, itching, and flaking) is another
major byproduct of DHT and Androgen activities, and can be incredibly
detrimental to the success of any hair loss treatment regimen if not brought
under control. In Step 2 we did a quick evaluation
of the various types of hair loss typically found in men. Now we're going
to discuss the 5 major types of hair loss treatments, and how each controls
or reverses hair loss in its own unique way. A good understanding of Step
1 (link to step1.html) is imperative for truly understanding this
information.
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Hair
Loss Video Webcast |
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The Five
Major Types of Hair Loss treatments
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1. DHT Inhibitors - Work to inhibit the
binding of Testosterone and 5-Alpha Reductase, which in turn keeps DHT
levels close to normal, which in turn helps keep hair growth and loss
regulation at its normal healthy state. These treatments truly deal
with hair loss at the "root" of the problem.
2. Growth Stimulators - Work on a symptomatic
level to artificially stimulate growth, without actually dealing with
hair loss at the cause of the problem. While this may sound like an
ineffective method, growth stimulators are actually a very successful
way to at least cosmetically reverse the balding process.
3. SOD's - Also known as Super Oxide Dismutase,
these hair loss treatments work by handling the immune response which
occurs as a result of excessive DHT in the follicle. When cells sense
a foreign body, they release Super Oxide, which typically help defend
the body against invading viruses, cells, and foreign tissues. SOD's
reduce the presence of this Super Oxide, thus reducing the body's desire
to reject the follicle. It's yet another "angle" proven to work in fighting
hair loss. SOD's are kind of a hybrid treatment because they also have
growth stimulation properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
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Dont
have time to read the whole Guide? Go Here!
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4. Anti-Inflammatory's - These treatments
work to reduce inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking which is
caused as a result of the immune response, and which can make hair loss
even worse if not controlled.
5. Antiandrogens - The goal of Antiandrogen
treatments is to stop DHT from binding to the Androgen receptor. As
we discussed in Step 1, this is one of the steps in the chain of chemical
reactions which ultimately leads to hair loss. Whereas DHT Inhibitors
go to the first chemical interaction and stop it from occurring, Antiandrogens
come in about 3/4 of the way down the process, and inhibit one of the
last interactions before damage to the follicle occurs. Both types of
treatments work in different parts of the process to stop the process
from completing.
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Hair
Loss Video Webcast |
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Putting
a Face to the Name
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Which treatment falls into which category? The table below outlines the
only clinically proven treatments on the market today for men and women,
and where each fits in. As you can see, many of them fit more than one
type of category. Propecia and some custom formulations of Minoxidil such
as Xandrox, as well as Proxiphen, are all available by prescription only.
Dutasteride is currently available in the form of Avodart, but it is only
approved for the treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (just like Propecia
when it first came out as the same type of drug in the form of Proscar).
The majority of the rest of these products are considered over the counter.
It helps to categorize them by what they do best, and what they're intended
for. The table below should help you do just that:
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DHT
Inhibitors |
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Growth
Stimulants |
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SOD's |
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Anti-Inflammatory's |
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Antiandrogens |
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» Revivogen
» Crinagen
» Spironolactone
» Nizoral 1% and 2% (Ketoconazole)
» Proxiphen |
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Now it's time to decide which of these treatments are best for you...click
to proceed to Step 4.
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