BALDNESS 

According to the Healthcheck survey 33% of men between the ages of 20 and 40 have a problem with hair loss. Baldness affects eight million men in the UK. For some it is a major cause of distress.

When a drug manufacturer realises that a side effect of one of its products is hair growth, it knows it is sitting on a gold mine. In December of last year the American Food and Drug Administration granted a licence for the sale of Propecia a drug that was originally developed for the treatment of prostate problems. It has been found that the drug prevents production of a hormone that causes hair loss.

The British Medicines Control Agency has not yet given its approval for the 'over the counter' sale of Propecia but it can be obtained on private prescription. Twenty-six year-old Damian has been using the drug since May and believes it has helped with the restoration and re-growth of his hair. He intends to continue the treatment despite reports of side-effects. In clinical trials 2% said they experienced a loss of libido.

There have been many cures for baldness ‘sworn-by’ over the years, from rubbing the scalp with nettles, curry powder or cow-pats to getting a cow to lick your head. For the last three years, fifty year-old James has been using an ‘Inverter’, in which he hangs upside-down to increase the blood flow to his scalp, and a herbal extract called Sawpalnetto. He says he has regained 50% of his lost hair.

Hairline International Support Network for Alopecia Patients
Lyons Court, 1668 High Street, Knowle, West Midlands
Helpline Tel: 01564 775281

Farjo Medical Centre of Advanced Technology can prescribe Propecia.
Tel: 0500 118000
Natural Hair Products can supply Inverters and other hair products.
Tel: 01208 813881