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“It Really works.  I nearly lost all my hair last year due to Blood Poisoning (sepsis).  I tried everything in the world to stop my hair fall nothing worked.  My GP was very unhelpful.  I was depressed and embarrassed.  A friend told me about Belgravia.  My first reaction was does it really work because my hair needed urgent attention.  I called clinic they were very helpful.  Now year on I have amazing results.  Thanks Belgravia I can recommend it to anyone.  Good Results.”

Miss Kalia

Diagnosis:  Female Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

Over time, stress can take quite a toll on the human body. When we get stressed, numerous chemicals are produced inside our bodies. Many thousands of years ago these chemicals served the purpose of energising us and speeding our reactions for ‘fight or flight’. But today, when our problems are rarely solved by fighting or fleeing, these chemicals can have much more negative effects.

As Irish businessman Chris O’Hara discovered, one of these effects can be hair loss. O’Hara was, according to the Irish Independent, “once a high-flying businessman with a multi-million Euro Empire.” But as the recession hit Ireland, his catering industry businesses began to fail, and with them, his health.

Appearing at the Holiday World Show in Dublin, O’Hara said, “I was trying to create a business empire which I thought would bring me happiness, but brought nothing but misery and pain and, ultimately, it all unravelled in 2009.”

Stress-induced Alopecia

And as the fortunes of his company’s went from bad to worse, he began to notice some rather unpleasant side effects.
“Because of all the stress I got Alopecia and I had a lot of health problems,” he said.

Alopecia, or Alopecia Areata to give its full name, is a hair loss condition which results from an auto-immune disorder within the body. In those who contract it, the body’s own defences attack healthy hair follicles, causing them to cease producing hair, and hair loss to occur. Though there is no solid scientific proof as yet, it is widely believed that Alopecia can be caused by stress, such as that caused by managing a failing business empire.

It is unclear whether Mr O’Hara still has hair loss, but his method for reducing the amount of stress in his life might be considered extreme by some.

“One day I just said ‘no more I can’t do it any longer’.” And with that he packed all his belongings into a camper van, embarking on a road trip across first Europe, then western Africa. Now, he is currently planning a similar trip across Canada and the US on a budget of just five Euros a day, this time with a BBC documentary cameraman in tow.

“It’s a million miles away from how I used to live and it’s completely changed my life. I’ve never felt more liberated,” he told those at the Holiday World Show.

Dealing with Alopecia

Of course, those lacking the means or inclination to pack their life into a van and leave the rat race behind may have to find different, less drastic ways of coping with stress. But reducing stress levels can be an essential part of dealing with Alopecia Areata. And once you have got these stress levels under control, there are hair loss treatments which can help to return your hair to health, and re-grow what has been lost. Contact us at the Belgravia Centre for a free consultation if you have any concerns about hair loss or fill in our online diagnostic form to obtain a personalised hair loss treatment plan that can be sent to you wherever you may be in the world.

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For men approaching middle age, one of the first signs that age may be catching up with them is a receding hairline. Scientists have begun to use the phrase ‘Andropause’ to describe the decrease in male hormones experienced by most men some time after the age of thirty.

Among the symptoms of men going through the Andropause is the hairloss leading to balding, a receding hair line or significantly thinned hair.

What is the Andropause?

Most people are familiar with the Menopause which is experienced by women as they age and stop menstruating; a condition triggered by a change in hormone levels which have a distinct physiological effect. Long denied by some doctors, as far back as the 1940s similar hormonal changes were noted in men. These also had a considerable effect on a man’s body.

Known as Andropause (or more jokingly ‘Manopause’), the change results in significantly lowered levels of the male sex hormone Testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for male sex drive, facial hair growth and muscle mass among other things, so a reduction in testosterone will affects all these male characteristics. Other side effects include depression, mood swings, insomnia and increased irritability – very similar to those experienced by women going through the menopause.

So I’m in the Andropause: What’s Happening with My Hair?

The drop in testosterone levels causes other hormone levels to fluctuate which can have a negative effect on a man’s hair. Most problematic to the hairline however is another androgenic hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT for short.

DHT is produced when Testosterone is converted by a reaction with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This secondary androgen has the unfortunate side-effect of inhibiting the growth of new hair cells. As old hair falls out (it is quite natural for a healthy man loses between 80 and 100 hairs every day), the inhibitive effect of DHT on new hair growth means that it is not replaced. This then leads to a receding hairline or patches of hair loss, generally at the temples, crown or both.

Known as Androgenic Alopecia, or male pattern balding, hair loss as a result of DHT imbalance is common for men going through the Andropause, but it is also a treatable condition.

Beating the Andropause

Although the Andropause is a hormonal change, several proven treatments exist which can combat the side effects, particularly those related to hair loss. Here at The Belgravia Centre we create customised treatment plans for our clients which make use of medically proven medications to promote hair regrowth.

One of our most successful treatments to prevent the onset of Androgenic Alopecia and reverse its effects is a medication known as Propecia. Taken orally, Propecia actively inhibits the formation of DHT, thereby preventing it from ‘attacking’ a man’s hair follicles and allowing new hair to grow normally.

Propecia has been authorised for treating hair loss in men by both the British (Medicines and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency) and American (Food and Drug Administration) drug regulators and has been proven to reverse hair loss. Where Andropause related hormone changes and age conspire against a man’s hairline, Propecia provides hope to those affected.

Other Hair Loss Treatments

Depending on the advice of our hair loss experts, patients may be prescribed a variant based around another clinically proven medication called Minoxidil. Designed to increase blood flow to the scalp, and thereby delivery of nutrients critical to healthy hair growth, Minoxidil also has a high degree of success in restoring receding hairlines.

Belgravia’s minoxidil formulations contain additives that help to reduce the amount of the DHT (the hormone derivative that damages hair follicles) and are available in a number of different strengths and forms including Belgravia’s extra-strength minoxidil 10% + azelaic acid cream.

Complementary Hair Loss Treatments

In order to ensure the maximum levels of regrowth, The Belgravia Centre also offer a number of complementary therapies to clients using our treatment plans. One of the most popular additions to our treatment plans is a unique dietary supplement called Hair Vitalics. Using ingredients including Saw Tooth Palmetto, Hair Vitalics contains vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts believed to promote hair growth, improve blood flow and provide all the chemical building blocks required for strong, healthy hair.

Clients may also be offered the FDA-cleared HairMax LaserComb as part of their personalised treatment plans. The LaserComb can be included free with most treatment programmes. This futuristic device emits a low level laser which when passed over the patient’s scalp stimulates a chemical stored in the scalp known as ATP. ATP carries energy between cells in the human body, stimulating growth and making it essential to hair growth. The Laser Comb increases ATP activity, thereby speeding up the hair regrowth.

More on the Manopause

Although medical experts remain divided on whether the Andropause is a genuine medical condition, they all agree that men undergo significant hormonal changes from the age of 40-onwards. These hormonal shifts create physiological and psychological changes with long-lasting, or even permanent effects.  Life can become quite complicated and stressful for men experiencing the Andropause, and the sudden loss of hair which often accompanies it can be a further blow to self-confidence.

Through a combination of proven hair loss treatments and the finest personal attention, The Belgravia Centre can help restore hair and confidence. Although we cannot beat all the side effects, or restore a hormonal shift, we can certainly assist with the hair loss side of the Andropause.

To find out more about the hair loss services offered by The Belgravia Centre, contact us to arrange a free, no obligation consultation with one of our hair loss specialists who will then be able to create a personalised treatment plan. And if you are unable to attend our Victoria-based clinic, use the online diagnostic form to find out more about your hair loss situation, its causes and the treatments available. We can send you treatments wherever you are in the world.

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“I had been thinking of having a transplant and the surgeon I went to see suggested I try treatment (Propecia and Minoxidil) first to see if I can get any improvements. Having looked at getting the products directly I decided to go with Belgravia, as I liked the fact that you were a patient and if there were any issues or concerns there would be someone you could call and talk to. Well I have to be honest I was a sceptic and did not expect to see any improvement, the height of my expectation was that it would prevent further loss.  I have been a patient there now for 6 months and I can honestly say I am astounded with the results. The extent of the improvement was not obvious until I took my first before and after picture at 3 months. The regrowth was much more then I had ever thought possible, and this was just 3 months.  It has got better again after 6 months and people regularly make comments about the amount of hair I now have! I feel delighted with the results and the service Belgravia offer. I just wish they had a site more local to me in the Midlands.”

Resh

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

“I was very impressed at the level of service and professionalism from your staff from start to finish of the process.  The staff at te reception first of all were very helpful in directing me to your clinic as it was my first time in Victoria and I had to make my way using the local transport.  Secondly, I would like to comment on individual staff members: Daiva was the first to see me and
may I take this opportunity to say that I was very impressed with her.  She was very polite and was very clear about how she would progress the consultation.  She made me feel very comfortable and was very professional.  She explained all about the medications after diagnosing me and made me aware about the side effects as well.  Shamima was also very professional and polite.  She answered all my questions very clearly and explained exactly how to use the medications clearly.  She was very good. She also helped me negotiate a good price for the laser comb a few weeks prior to my visit and she remembered all of our conversations as well which I thought was very helpful and professional of her.  Your staff were very polite and I was dealt with very nicely.”

“I was very impressed with all the service that I received.  All friendly and helpful.  Many thanks.”

“I am absolutely delighted with the advice from Leonora.  She advised me to return to my GP and get a referral to a dermatologist and for a biopsy as she thinks I have fibrosing alopecia which my GP did not pick up when I first sought advice
in December 2011.  I managed to get an appointment with a GP yesterday after visiting The Belgravia Centre and he has written to a local hospital to get further investigations.  I am impressed that Leonora did not just try to treat me and take my money… her integrity in telling me to go back to my GP has shown me that my health is her no.1 concern.  I will return to The Belgravia Centre once I have had the biopsy and medical conditions that might be affecting my hair loss have been assessed.  All in all, very prompt and very polite/friendly ladies.  I am very happy with the performance of all the staff I have encountered.”

“Leonora was helpful and explained what to expect out of the treatment. Gayzen she was friendly and answered questions I raised, explained the case and what to expect.  Should I have any issues, I should contact her. They were all helpful and attentive when available or not attending to another patient/visitor.  So far, it has been a good experience.  I look forward to seeing how the experience and service is going forward although from the looks of it, I expect it to be a nice one.”

“All the staff who attended to me I found to be very professional, caring and helpful, they made me feel very welcome and relaxed considering it was my first appointment and I was nervous.  Shamima and the young lady who washed my hair
has a natural flare for dealing with people.”

“I’m really happy about my treatment, I’ve seen how my hair has grown since I started, it’s really good and I recommend it for all who have this problem.”

Bernard

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

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“After 3 months I saw the difference and was very pleased.  The new hairs are growing quickly.  Great improvement.  Thank you!!!”

Wai Wong

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

“Really pleased with the results.  Noticed a difference after just a few months.  I was concerned about the cost but it’s been totally worth it!  Growth just keeps getting better!  Thanks to the whole team.”

A Belgravia Centre Patient

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

“Very happy with the results so far.  I didn’t expect to have so much hair back so quickly.  I would recommend this treatment to anyone who is going through hair loss.”

Ben

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

A ‘natural hair loss remedy’ using honey and cinnamon, has been published on several alternative medicine websites. Based on an ‘ancient Ayurvedic medicine’, the remedy is purported to reverse hair loss.

Men and women experiencing a receding hairline, patchy hair loss or pattern balding are advised by the writers of these articles to create their own remedy using a handful of kitchen ingredients. Essentially a paste is made from olive oil, honey and cinnamon and then applied to the scalp for around fifteen minutes before being washed off.

No proven results

Although honey has been long recognised as a genuinely useful antiseptic and antibacterial agent, the same cannot be said of its alleged hair regrowth properties. Honey is also a minor source of vitamins and minerals essential to healthy hair growth, such as Iron, Zinc and Vitamin C, but only when eaten – not simply placed on the scalp.

As a result, no genuine hair loss expert, such as those employed by The Belgravia Centre, would advise relying on a honey-based paste for treating a receding hair line or vertex thinning.

Real hair regrowth results are possible

Although diet plays a part in maintaining and retaining healthy hair, it is not usually enough on its own to regrow significant areas of hair loss unless the thinning is directly related to malnutrition. Men and women who notice thinning patches or significant shedding should seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity so that restorative treatment can be started before the loss of hair becomes more noticeable.

The Belgravia Centre uses medically proven treatments to combat hair loss with incredible results. According to each client’s specific needs, our hair loss experts create personalised hair loss treatment plans to reverse hair loss and promote healthy and natural hair regrowth. These often incorporate  the only clinically proven medications Propecia and Minoxidil.

In addition to the prescription of proven medications, clients at The Belgravia Centre are also offered complementary therapies designed to maximise potential hair regrowth. Known as Hair Growth Boosters, these additional therapies are used to stimulate the hair follicles and increase blood flow to the scalp – both of which are essential for hair growth.

Clients of The Belgravia Centre also receive lifestyle guidance, such as dietary guidelines or exercise advice. Clients may also be offered our unique dietary supplement, Hair Vitalics, which contains all the vitamins and minerals essential to healthy hair growth in addition to a number of herbal extracts thought to promote blood flow. Have a look at our online repository of success stories for numerous examples of people who have benefitted from our expert hair loss treatment plans.

To find out more about The Belgravia Centre and how we can help combat your hair loss condition, please give us a call on 0800 077 6666 or message us online to arrange a free, no obligation with one of our hair loss specialists. If you are not local to our London hair loss clinic, you can fill out our online diagnostic form and we will send you a personalised treatment plan wherever you are in the world.

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