General Hair Loss

While the causes and effects of the female menopause are widely recognised, men can also go through the menopause, with symptoms including tiredness and hair loss.

Dr Robert Brannigan, professor of urology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and urologist at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, believes 95 percent of cases of male menopause go undiagnosed.

The condition, known as male hypogonadism, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, causing a drop in the hormone level. It progresses slowly, with levels dropping by around one percent a year, starting in the late thirties; the reduction may be as high as 50 percent by the age of 70.

The male menopause may adversely affect mood, weight and sex drive, and is frequently misdiagnosed as depression. It is also linked to chronic medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dr Brannigan explained, “When ignored, symptoms can seriously disrupt one’s quality of life.”

Treatment may involve hormone replacement therapy to boost testosterone levels, although cholesterol levels and blood pressure must be carefully monitored for the duration of treatment.

Hair loss can have a number of different causes, and may get worse if left untreated, so if you have any concerns about thinning hair or patchy hair loss it is advisable to seek professional advice. The specialists at the Belgravia Centre have a wealth of experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of hair loss conditions, using clinically proven primary medications along with various hair growth boosters. You can see some of our many success stories here.

To book a free consultation with one of our trichologists who can assess your individual hair loss condition and prescribe the most effective course of treatment, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. If you’re not able to get to the London centre, you can complete the online diagnostic form and an advisor will be happy to design a home use treatment programme to fit your needs, available worldwide.

Singer Ne-Yo has revealed that he started wearing a hat as part of his signature look when he was a teenager, to disguise the fact that he had already begun to lose his hair.

The 30-year-old platinum-selling R&B star, whose hits include ‘Closer’ and ‘Beautiful Monster’, said, “The men in my family start losing their hair really early on. My hair started receding when I was just 13. So that was why I originally started wearing hats. Then I got super-confident with who I am, but they were already part of my look, so the hats stayed.”

It can be very distressing for a young man to start experiencing thinning hair or a receding hairline, but it is in fact much more common than is generally realised. 25% of men will be affected by hair loss by the age of 30, and although stress, diet and other lifestyle factors can play a part, the most common cause is androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. This is a hereditary condition, caused by the action of a hormonal derivative of testosterone on genetically predisposed hair follicles. Testosterone levels tend to peak between the ages of 18 and 35, and this is when the characteristic hair loss pattern may be initiated.

Although some men are genetically predisposed to lose their hair, perhaps at a relatively young age when it is likely to be very damaging to their confidence, it is possible to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth with the correct treatment. The Belgravia Centre is able to give effective advice and treatment to patients from the age of 18 who are experiencing a wide range of hair loss conditions.

Hair loss treatment programmes at the Belgravia Centre are based around primary medications that are clinically proven to be both safe and effective, along with various hair growth boosters designed to optimise progress. You can see some of our before-and-during-treatment photos to judge our impressive results for yourself.

The earlier hair loss conditions are addressed the better, so we recommend arranging a free consultation with one of our specialists who can assess your individual condition and advise on treatment. Call 020 7730 6666 to book a consultation, or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. If you can’t get to the London centre, it takes less than five minutes to complete the online diagnostic form for worldwide advice on a home-use treatment course designed to fit your needs.

At just 43, David Cameron is by far the youngest Prime Minister this country has seen in almost 200 years, and the government has made much of his youthful vigour and enthusiasm. However, recent pictures displaying an unmistakeable bald patch in his otherwise luxurious head of hair have led unkind pundits to wonder whether worry over the budget deficit is making Cameron lose his hair.

The truth is that while stress and anxiety can certainly contribute to hair loss, the most frequent cause is androgenic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness. This has a characteristic pattern, causing hair loss on top of the scalp while leaving it growing around the sides, as the Prime Minister seems to be experiencing.

Androgenic alopecia is hereditary, and is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormonal derivative of testosterone, on genetically predisposed hair follicles. DHT causes the follicles to shrink with each growth cycle; the hair gradually gets thinner until the follicles finally become dysfunctional and hair no longer grows.

Although it is a hereditary condition, male pattern baldness is no longer inevitable, as there are clinically proven medications that can stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth. The Belgravia Centre bases its highly effective hair loss treatment programmes around the only two products that are medically proven to achieve this. Propecia inhibits the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, while Minoxidil stimulates the blood circulation to vulnerable hair follicles, promoting their health. Combined with trichological monitoring and various hair growth boosters, these products have enabled us to achieve impressive results for a huge number of our patients – you can see some of our success stories here.

To book a free consultation with one of our specialists who can assess your individual hair loss condition and prescribe the best course of treatment, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. Alternatively, if you can’t get to the London centre, complete the online diagnostic form for an individually designed home use treatment course, available worldwide.

Ever since my husband’s business started having financial problems last year, I’ve noticed that his hair is getting thinner and his scalp is beginning to show through. Is it possible that stress is causing him to lose his hair?

The recent financial downturn has seen a lot of people suffering health problems due to the stress of mounting debts, according to a survey by the UK’s leading debt advice charity. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) found that 46% of the 372 respondents believed that financial problems had affected their health, with symptoms including heart palpitations, hair loss and nervous breakdown.

Delroy Corinaldi, external affairs director at CCCS, said, “There is a lot of focus on the economic implications of the personal debt crisis but we are only starting to understand the human cost of debt problems.”

It is thought that stress causes hormonal changes in the body, which can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Hair follicles affected by these hormonal changes enter the resting phase of the cycle prematurely. During this period there is no new growth, but hair will continue to shed, causing it to become thinner over the whole head. This can affect both men and women, and is a separate condition from male pattern baldness, which manifests as a characteristic bald patch on the top of the head.

Stress-related hair loss may occur after a major life event such as divorce or surgery, or may develop gradually in response to an ongoing issue such as money worries. It can sometimes correct itself, particularly if the cause of the stress is removed, but it can also worsen, and in men can eventually lead to baldness. Tackling the source of the problem and learning stress management techniques such as meditation is clearly advisable; however, since hair loss can in itself increase anxiety levels, treatment to address it may also be beneficial.

The hair specialists at the Belgravia Centre are experienced at diagnosing and treating a wide range of hair loss conditions, including stress related hair thinning. Our comprehensive hair loss treatment programmes are based on clinically proven medications that stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth, along with various hair growth boosters and specialist aftercare. You can see how effective treatment can be by viewing some of our many success stories.

To book a free consultation with one of our specialists who can assess your individual hair condition, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form and an advisor will be happy to recommend a personal home-use treatment course, available worldwide.

In the week that ‘Friends’ star Matt LeBlanc was in the news for showing off his natural grey locks, and admitting that he had dyed his hair the whole time he was filming the hit TV show, a new survey has examined British men’s attitudes to greying and hair loss.

Consumer analysts Mintel revealed that hair colour is the top concern of British men, with 51% worrying about going grey. Hair loss or thinning is the second biggest concern, with 40% admitting to feeling worried. This rises to over half (52%) in men aged 45-54.

According to Vivienne Rudd, Head of Beauty Research at Mintel, “The physical changes associated with aging can act as a catalyst to mid-life crisis and our research has discovered that men become less content with their appearance after the age of 45. As the UK population ages, men will have to work into older age, bringing them into direct competition with younger colleagues. As a result, older people may feel the need to try to maintain appearance.”

Although hair loss is often perceived as a sign of ageing, androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, affects 25% of men by the age of 30. It is a hereditary condition that results from the action of DHT, a hormonal derivative of testosterone, on genetically programmed hair follicles, causing them to gradually become dysfunctional. Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of male hair loss, although other factors such as stress or poor nutrition may also play a part.

However, hair loss is not something you have to just accept, whether you are hitting your forties or even younger. The Belgravia Centre’s individually designed hair loss treatment courses are based around primary medications that are clinically proven to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth, as well as various hair growth boosters. Propecia and Minoxidil are the only pharmaceutical products proven to be both effective and safe; Propecia works by blocking the formation of DHT, while Minoxidil increases the blood supply to the affected hair follicles. You can look at some of our many hair loss success stories to see the excellent results we have achieved with our comprehensive treatment programmes.

If you are concerned about hair loss, the specialists at the Belgravia Centre will be happy to advise on the best course of treatment for you. Call 020 7730 6666 to book a free consultation, or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. If you can’t get to the London centre, you can complete the online diagnostic form for worldwide advice on a home-use treatment course that fits your needs. The earlier you tackle hair loss, the more impressive results are likely to be, so it’s well worth getting expert advice as soon as possible, for that effective boost to your appearance and confidence.

Extracts from the berry of the dwarf palm plant serenoa repens – better known by the common name saw palmetto – have traditionally been used to treat urinary tract infections. Its use can be traced back to the Mayans, who used it as a tonic, and the Seminoles, who employed its antiseptic qualities.

There is some evidence that saw palmetto, which takes its botanical name, sabul serrulatum, from its serrated leaves, can have a slight beneficial effect upon the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate), and this is its most common modern usage. Leading on from the research that has been undertaken into the mechanism by which saw palmetto works to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, it seems likely – though still unproven – that it can also be of benefit in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness.

Androgenic alopecia is caused by the effect of male hormones (androgens) on genetically predisposed hair follicles. Within these follicles, testosterone is converted into the androgen DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT inhibits the growth of new hair cells, causing the follicles to shrink with each growth cycle until the follicles become dysfunctional and hair no longer grows.

5-alpha reductase enzymes are present primarily in the scalp and the prostate, and research suggests that saw palmetto has an inhibitory effect on the enzyme, thereby blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It also has a direct inhibitory effect on androgen receptors, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

To date there has been only one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (the ‘gold standard’ of clinical trials) into the effectiveness of saw palmetto in treating androgenic alopecia. The report by Prager et al. (2006) was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

The pilot study used male subjects between the ages of 23 and 64, in good health, with mild to moderate androgenic alopecia. 60% of the subjects dosed with the active formulation were rated as improved at the end of the study. However, the study was very small in scope, and therefore much larger clinical trials are needed to further substantiate any claims for saw palmetto’s efficacy.

At present, only two pharmaceutical products are clinically proven to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth. The Belgravia Centre bases its comprehensive hair loss treatment programmes around Propecia and Minoxidil, both of which are licensed for this use, due to the substantial body of evidence that they are safe and effective.

Belgravia also uses various hair growth boosters, including Hair Vitalics, a daily supplement that contains saw palmetto as well as many other nutrients selected to enhance the hair’s health. It is designed to complement treatment based around our tried and tested primary medications. You can see how effective our treatment programmes can be by viewing some of our many success stories.

To book a free consultation with one of our specialists who can assess your individual hair condition and advise on the best course of treatment, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. If you can’t get to the London centre, you can complete the online diagnostic form and an advisor will be happy to recommend a home-use treatment course, available worldwide.

Yoga aficionados frequently assert that performing a headstand prevents hair loss, as it increases the blood flow to the scalp. Sadly, this is just an urban myth; although good blood circulation to the hair follicles is necessary for healthy hair growth, this is just one piece of the puzzle and will not in itself prevent baldness.

Certainly yoga can be helpful in reducing stress, which can be a factor that contributes to hair loss. The yogic headstand or ‘salamba sirsasana’ should only be performed as part of regular yoga practice, and must be taught by an experienced instructor, as executing it incorrectly can lead to neck injuries and headaches. When performed correctly, it is known as the ‘king of asanas’ because of its beneficial effect on body alignment and circulation. The posture can be held for around ten minutes, but should not be performed if you have high blood pressure or eye problems. Some people may find the shoulder stand to be an easier position that conveys many of the same benefits.

Daily headstands, then, may be good for the circulation and general health, but it is important to recognise that hair loss may have many different causes. The most common cause in men is male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, which manifests as the classic ‘bald spot’ on the top of the head, leaving hair still growing at the sides and back. This is a hereditary condition, caused by the action of male hormones on genetically programmed hair follicles. Within these follicles, testosterone is converted into the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which inhibits the growth of new hair cells and causes follicles to shrink with each growth cycle.

Other causes of hair loss may include telogen effluvium, a women’s hair loss condition often triggered by hormonal changes or sudden stressful events; alopecia areata, characterised by sudden patchy hair loss with various underlying causes; scalp problems; or medical issues such as diabetes, anaemia and thyroid problems.

The specialists at the Belgravia Centre are experienced in diagnosing and treating hair loss and scalp problems. Most hair loss conditions do not improve without treatment and are likely to get worse, so seeking timely professional support is advisable. Our comprehensive hair loss treatment is based around clinically proven primary medications, along with various hair growth boosters and close trichological monitoring. You can look at our ‘before and during treatment’ photo scans to see how we have helped to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth for clients suffering from a range of hair loss conditions.

To book a free consultation with one of our specialists, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. Alternatively, if you can’t get to the London centre, you can complete the online diagnostic form and an advisor will be happy to recommend a home-use treatment course individually designed to address your particular hair loss condition, available worldwide.

A lock of hair from Napoleon Bonaparte has sold for £8,600 at auction in New Zealand. It was cut from the head of the former French Emperor after he died in exile in 1821, on the remote island of St Helena.

The hair, which was bought by an unidentified London bidder, was part of a collection owned by descendants of a British officer stationed on St Helena during Napoleon’s imprisonment there. When he died amid rumours of poisoning – although now it is generally believed that it was due a stomach ulcer – the officer snipped the hair from his corpse and kept it as a memento.

It seems extraordinary that a mere lock of hair, albeit from such a notable figure as Napoleon, could raise such an exalted price. Yet anyone experiencing hair loss may feel that his or her own hair is literally priceless. If you’ve ever stood anxiously in front of the mirror examining your receding hairline, or counted the hairs sliding down the shower plughole, no doubt this feeling is familiar to you.

Over 50% of men and women will experience thinning hair at some point in their life; for many this will lead to continued hair loss and eventual baldness. However, if the problem is tackled at an early stage, there is a much greater opportunity to reverse the condition and promote regrowth.

Thinning hair is an early stage of hair loss, where the hair shafts begin to thin with each growth cycle. This is usually caused by the effects of DHT on the follicles, but may have other causes, which is why it is so important to have your individual condition properly assessed by a trichologist who can advise on the treatment needed to address it and the best products to use.

There are so many hair loss products currently marketed, some with frankly dubious claims, that it can be hard for the customer to distinguish genuinely effective products from those that are useless or even harmful. That is why the Belgravia Centre bases its hair loss treatment programmes around medically proven pharmaceuticals, along with various hair growth boosters and close trichological monitoring, in order to get the best results for our clients.

Propecia and Minoxidil are the only products that are licensed by the MHRA, and FDA approved, as being both safe and effective at stabilising hair loss and promoting regrowth. You can look at some of our success stories to see some of the excellent results we have achieved using individual treatment programmes based around these clinically proven products.

To book a free consultation with one of our hair specialists, call 020 7730 6666 or send us a message with any enquiry you might have. We are open 7 days a week, with 4 late nights, and conveniently located close to Victoria tube, train, coach and bus stations. Alternatively, if you can’t get to the London centre, you can complete the online diagnostic form for worldwide advice on a home-use treatment course that fits your needs.

“Almost finished my first years treatment.  Couldn’t be happier with the improvement that has been made.”

David Riseley

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

 
Month 1                                          Month 12

 
Month 1                                          Month 12

Please note:  We have recently changed the cameras used for photo scans which is the reason for the difference in colour.

“To be honest, I was skeptical about it working at all.  After six months of treatment I was very pleased with the results.  It’s brought my confidence back and I will continue my treatments into the unforeseeable future.  This was my last attempt at trying a product to recover my hair and I’m delighted that it shows real results.

I honestly recommend The Belgravia Centre as a realistic choice to help hair loss because it really works.

Thanks.”

A Belgravia Patient, by email

Diagnosis:  Male Pattern Hair Loss

 
Month 1                                        Month 7

 
Month 1                                           Month 7