Birth control pills can be a great way of preventing conception however;all medication comes with potential side effects. In addition to the many serious possible side effects associated with birth control pills, some come with a risk of female hair loss. By suppressing ovulation due to the combined actions of hormones progestin or estrogen, women who are predisposed to hormonal related hair loss may experience varying degrees of balding while on the pill, or even more likely, a few weeks to months after coming off of it.

Yasmin is a birth control pill that combine sethinyl estradiol and drospirenone Because Yasmin may induce hair follicles into the telogen phase (hair shedding) of the hair growth cycle, hair loss is a reported side effect

We recommend women to use only low-androgenindex birth control pills. For women with a strong predisposition for genetic hair lossin their family, we recommend use of other non-hormonal birth control pills or other forms of contraceptives for the prevention of conception.

For your reference, here is a list of birth control pills ranging from the lowest androgen index to the highest: Desogen,Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Micronor, Nor-Q D, Ovcon-35,Brevicon/Modicon, Ortho Norvum 7/7/7, Ortho Novum 10-11, Tri-Norinyl, Norinyland Ortho 1/35, Demulen 1/35, Triphasil/Tri-Levien, Nordette, Lo/Ovral,Ovrette, Ovral, Loestrin1/20, Loestrin 1.5/30.

Truly a "Full Head of Hair in 30 Seconds?"

Of all the hair loss concealers available, like topical powder applications or "sprinkle solutions," Toppik is amongst the most popular. What's more, of all the "shaker" options currently available to hair loss suffering men and women, Toppik is one of the most recognized and trusted.

Since its inception, Toppik has been featured in various media outlets, including Time magazine, the Oprah Winfrey show, Fox News, NBC, and Eyewitness news. Throughout this media exposure and positive word of mouth, this hair loss product has been utilized by an estimated 3 million balding men and women worldwide.  So what makes Toppik so popular? How does it work? How does it compare to other types of concealers? Most importantly, what are real consumers saying about Toppik and where can interested parties purchase this popular concealer?

Toppik Hair Loss Concealer: What is it, and how does it work?

Toppik, like many other concealers available today, is a topical powder application. The powder formula is comprised of a series of charged, keratin-based, "hair binding fibers" that, when sprinkled on thinning hair, tightly adhere to individual hair strands. With each "shake" of the Toppik product, thousands of these particles are applied to the head and bind to hair shafts via opposing electrical activity (much like the way magnetized material attracts metal).

By tightly binding to hair shafts in such significant numbers, Toppik naturally recreates the appearance of a thick, dense head of hair.  According to the makers of Toppik, the bond created by the hair shaft and keratin particle is so strong that it will withstand wind, rain and perspiration, and will continue to naturally thicken and volumize the hair until "washed out" by shampoo. Additionally, because Toppik is available in a variety of different tones, the product is able to precisely match any hair color/texture and still remain completely undetectable.

What Benefits Does Toppik Offer Over Other Concealers?

Although Toppik is popular and well known within the hair restoration community, hair loss sufferers should still ask one crucial question: what benefits does Toppik offer over other, similar concealers? According to the manufactures, Toppik offers a variety of benefits that other, comparable products simply cannot match. First, Toppik's keratin fibers are completely safe, organic, all natural, and utilize electric energy to adhere to hair fibers with unmatched efficacy.

Next, not only is Toppik available in a variety of colors, but these tones can also be "mixed" to match any color and can even cover gray hair and new growth from hair transplant surgery.  Toppik colors include black, dark brown, medium brown, light brown, medium blonde, blonde, auburn, gray and white.

Furthermore, Toppik can be used in conjunction with other hair styling products (though the powder needs to be applied to dry scalp, and styling products should be applied before usage), will not "rub off" on clothing or pillows, can be safely utilized with other hair restoration products and medications,  will not clog pores or dry out the scalp, is equally effective in balding men and women, and is easily applied via the shaking method or by applying the popular "spray applicator" to the shaker apparatus.

Why is Toppik so Popular in the Hair Loss Community?

Because of its innovative design, positive "track record," ease of use, and effective nature, Toppik has developed a trusted reputation and large fan base in the hair restoration community. Hair loss sufferers not only trust the history behind the Toppik brand, but appreciate the product's single use longevity and lasting strength of the fiber-hair shaft bond. The fact that the product is effective for male and female hair loss sufferers and can be easily used with other styling and hair restoration products makes Toppik an even better option for any individual considering a topical concealer.

What Real Consumers are Saying About Toppik?

To see what real hair loss suffering men and women are saying and to read helpful tips about applying Toppik in a variety of situations and in conjunction with other hair loss treatments, visit our Hair Loss Forum and Social Community.  You can also read our product review by visiting "Product Review: Nanogen Versus Toppik".

A Viable Alternative to Propecia in Treating Hair Loss?

Folexen S-equol , produced by Australian manufacturer Eclipse Nutraceuticals is considered an "all natural" hair loss treatment that boasts an impressive 87% success rate for preventing and reversing the effects of male pattern baldness with virtually no side effects.  Folexen S-equol has also been a hot topic of discussion on our popular hair loss forum. But, does this self-described "nutraceutical" live up to its hair growth hype?  Is Folexen a viable alternative to Propecia for treating the effects of male pattern baldness?

What is Folexen S-equol?

According to the FAQ on Folexen's website, the active ingredient S-equol is "a metabolite of a natural isoflavone called daidzein, which occurs in soybeans and some other food products".

Isoflavones are an organic compound produced almost exclusively by various bean types. In populations that consume large quantities of soy protein, studies have shown a lower incidence of breast cancer and other common cancers because of its role in influencing sex hormone metabolism and biological activity.

As a metabolite, S-equol is the product that remains after the isoflavone is broken down or "metabolized" by the body.

In addition to its active ingredient, Folexen contains the following GRAS (generally recognized as safe) inactive ingredients: starch, maltodextrin, allantoin, propionic acid. It may also contain hypromellose (vegetarian capsule).

But is there any evidence that S-equol  works to treat hair loss?

How Folexen S-equol Allegedly Works to Treat Baldness

In the body, testosterone is converted to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5AR). It's widely known that androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) results when genetically vulnerable hair follicles are exposed to DHT which then binds to the receptor sites of these follicles causing them to weaken and shrink over time. This shrinking process is known as miniaturization.

The recognized leader in the battle against the balding effects of DHT is the clinically proven and FDA approved drug Propecia (finasteride). Propecia works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, potentially slowing or even reversing the effects of androgenic alopecia. However, approximately 2% of males who take Propecia experience debilitating sexual side effects.

Unlike finasteride, Folexen's rumored ability to suppress hair loss and potentially regrow hair is based on the theory that S-equol can bind strongly to free DHT molecules, prohibiting them from binding to the hair follicles' receptor sites. Because Folexen does not suppress the conversion of testosterone to DHT, there is no resulting increase of testosterone in the body and therefore, no sexual side effects. But are there any clinical studies supporting that S-equol can truly prevent DHT from binding to hair follicle receptor sites and prevent hair loss?

Clinical Studies

Folexen's website references four articles in peer reviewed journals. Two of these studies center on S-equol's effect on prostate health while the other two don't appear to reference S-equol at all.

At this time, there appears to be no scientific data presented supporting Folexen's efficacy as a hair loss treatment.

Side Effects

The company claims that the product is virtually side effect free: specifically noting that it does not cause gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), erectile dysfunction or any of the other side effects that are experienced with some other treatments.

Some users however, did report mild diarrhea that dissipated within one week of commencing treatment.

What is the Recommended Dosage?

The recommended dosage of Folexen is 4 capsules per day (two every 12 hours), totaling 10mg of the active ingredient. Eclipse claims that the product has been tested safe at much higher concentrations (up to hundreds of milligrams) and there is some speculation based on available data that it may, in fact, require a dose as high as 100mg to match the Propecia's hair growth results.

Where to Buy Folexen S-equol

Folexen is only available by mail order from Australia. A bottle of 100 2.5mg capsules (25 day supply) costs approximately $40 USD + shipping but there is a discount for purchases exceeding 4 bottles and again for 9+ bottles. However, it's easy to see that even in bulk this treatment is several times more expensive than purchasing generic 5mg finasteride and quartering the tablet, as many finasteride users do.

As a natural product and not a drug, there are no shipping restrictions. Estimated delivery time is two weeks.

Conclusion

Time will tell if Folexen S-equol proves to be an effective weapon in the fight against androgenic alopecia or simply another product in a long line of expensive disappointments.

An Active Ingredient in Several Topical Hair Loss Treatments

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in whole grains that contains a mild antibiotic designed to “clean” skin.  It is also said to be a potential inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase in human skin.  A reduction of this enzyme may reduce the amount DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body and therefore, have a similar effect to finasteride; the active ingredient in FDA approved oral hair loss solution Propecia (finasteride). In theory, applying azelaic acid to the scalp may prevent or eliminate the binding of DHT to the hair follicle receptor, preventing hair loss and potentially stimulating hair regrowth.  Azelaic acid can be found in many prescription acne medication and topical hair loss products like Xandrox and Provillus. 

Combining azelaic acid with FDA approved hair regrowth solution minoxidil in a single topical product in theory, may prove to be a more powerful hair loss treatment for androgenic alopecia than minoxidil alone.  This is why some conjecture that Xandrox may be a more effective treatment than Rogaine (minoxidil). 

Azelaic acid has not been clinically proven effective as a standalone treatment for treating genetic female hair loss and male pattern baldness. It has also been known to irritate the scalp when applied topically.  Though there is a low percentage, azelaic acid may interact with other medications.  Be sure to consult your physician before using azelaic acid while on other medications.

Most hair loss sufferers can benefit from hair transplants. However, some are better candidates than others and will achieve more dramatic results.

Different Patients Achieve Different End Results

Two Hair Transplant Sessions one totaling 1860 grafts the other 2995 grafts

It is important to have realistic expectations and to find a hair transplant surgeon who can meet or exceed your expectations.

Surgical hair restoration is largely a matter of "Supply and Demand".

The look you can and will achieve with hair transplants is determined by several factors. But the most critical factor is really a question of "supply and demand".

The supply of hair is how much viable bald resistant donor hair you have. The demand is how much bald area you want to cover and to what degree of thickness.

Your “Donor Hair” determines what you can achieve.

For virtually all hair loss sufferers, even those with severe baldness, there is typically hair that grows for life on the sides and back of the head. This is because the hair in this "donor area" is genetically different from the hair on the top of the head in people who go bald.

The hair follicles in the "donor area" are genetically resistant to the effects of such baldness causing hormones as (DHT) dihydrotestosterone. That's why they continue to grow, while the hair on the top (in the male pattern baldness area) thins and goes bald over time.

How much viable donor hair you have will largely determine how much you can accomplish with hair transplants. Most people have enough viable donor hair to do at least one or two hair transplant procedures.

Alopecia areata (sometimes referred to as“spot baldness”) is a medical condition that typically results in patchy hairloss or bald spots on the scalp, beard, arms and legs. Though the exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder causing the body’s immune system to attack its own hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Roughly 2% of the world’s population suffers from alopecia areata and approximately 5% of these have a family history of "alopecia", the medical term for hair loss.

Diagnosing Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is normally diagnosed through the observation of symptoms. However, occasionally a scalp biopsy or blood tests may be performed.

Treating Alopecia Areata

There is no cure for alopecia areata and current treatments, while sometimes effective, offer limited success.  Current treatments for alopecia areata include; steroid injections, topical corticosteroids (steroid hormonesnaturally produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates), topical immunotherapy, Rogaine(minoxidil) and ultraviolet light therapy.

Although permanent hair loss is a possibility, the course of the disease is unpredictable and varies from patient to patient. The good news is that, even without treatment and after many years,the hair follicles do remain viable and ready to resume normal hair production if and when they receive the appropriate signal. Hair regrowth may, and often does, occur in time.

Are Alopecia Areata Patients Good Candidates for Hair Transplantation?

Patients suffering from alopecia areata are rarely considered good candidates for hair transplant surgery because donor hair grafts harvested from the “safe” zone at the rear and sides of the scalp are still vulnerable to the effects of the body’s immune system once transplanted to the recipient sites. However, if the affected area is small, has remained unchanged for an extended period of time and if there is no sign of inflammation below the scalp, hair transplantation may be an option. This would require a thorough consultation with a skilled and experienced hair restoration surgeon and the patient would need to fully understand and accept the risks of such a procedure.

Adapting to and Living with Alopecia Areata

Depending upon the severity of the condition, hair loss concealers like Toppik, Nanogen and DermMatch may help disguise bald patches. In more severe cases, a hair replacement system or full wig may be necessary.

Aswith all forms of hair loss, patients suffering from alopecia areata may experience emotional and psychological trauma. It’s important to reach out to family and friends, join an alopecia support group and/or seek the services of a mental health professional if you are experiencing intense, prolonged and overwhelming psychological effects.