Genetic Factors behind Male Pattern Baldness

Are you growing bald? You are not alone to suffer the plight. According to statistics, 50% of men go bald by the time they reach 50. Male pattern hair loss is not rare. If someone from your mother's or father's family has/had a problem with hair fall, probably you have your future bald too. It is a genetically predisposed condition which is unavoidable but treatable with proper and timely medication.

Male pattern baldness – Probable causes

Losing hair is not unusual in itself. At any given moment, an adult man possesses about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on his crown, and an estimated number of 100 strands come off everyday. But the problem gets worse when the hair follicles stop responding to androgenic hormones. Experts say that androgenic hormones, along with genetic factors, cause male hair loss. Unfortunately, our knowledge about the exact causes of hair fall is still limited.

Mothers blamed too often

It is true that sons owe a lot to their mothers, but it is unfair to blame the mother's side whenever a man goes bald. A group of European researchers found a gene variation which they believed would explain androgenic alopecia, the clinical name for male pattern baldness. They thought so because the gene variation is attached to the X chromosome, which sons inherit from their mothers only. But at the same time, the researchers failed to evidently conclude that all occurrences of male pattern baldness are linked to the mother's side. What they knew for certain was that the maternal side of the family had a relative edge over the paternal side, but that inference did not eliminate fathers as potential contributors to the baldness of their sons.

About the gene

The study was conducted among 95 families in which a minimum number of 2 male siblings had developed androgenic alopecia from an early age. So the number of subjects in the survey amounted to 200. Following the genetic screening, it was revealed that for a man to develop pattern baldness at an early age, it is a sine qua non that he must have a variation in the androgen receptor gene. A variant gene was found more often in among men who went bald early in their life. Testosterone, one of the governing sex hormones in men, is part of androgenic hormones that are related in some ways to hair loss. But as mentioned earlier, the exact mechanisms are not yet known. According to scientists, male sex hormones help grow body hair, but too much of it will prevent the growth of scalp hair. Also, another androgenic hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) make the hair follicles shrink when exposed, which is why no visible hair comes out of the follicle. Existing treatments of hair loss target DHT to stimulate hair regrowth. Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia in the UK, is a synthetic antiandrogen that can prevent male pattern hair fall and also help hair regrow. It is a prescription only medicine, so you need to consult your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions about Xenical

We have answered some of the most asked questions about Xenical, a prescription weight loss pill.

How does Xenical work?

Xenical starts its work after you eat food. It prevents your body from absorbing 30% dietary fat. This means one-third of the fat you take through food cannot be absorbed by the body and no unnecessary fats are stored. As a result, you don't gain extra weight. With Xenical you can eventually lose weight as your body does not get the calories it needs from the food you eat and utilise the unused fat reserve.

Xenical does not work like other slimming pills. Unlike other diet pills, Xenical does not affect the brain in any way.

To what extent is Xenical effective?

You can see the effect of Xenical within 2-3 months. The effeciency of Xenical is clinically tested. If you take it on a regular basis you can lose 5-10% of your body weight within 3 months. People start losing weight within 2 weeks after taking Xenical and continue to lose weight up to 12 months.

Can I take Xenical with other medications?

Yes, you can take Xenical with other medications, but make sure that your doctor knows it. If you are taking other medicines, wait for 2 hours and then take Xenical. You are supposed to take Xenical only on prescription.

What precautions should I take while taking Xenical?

You need to remember that Xenical is not a magic pill. You can not depend totally on it. You should also take certain steps if you want positive results. You need to change your lifestyle, and you should balance your diet. You should take low calorie foods, and avoid oily foods full of fats. You will see changes in your body weight soon.

What should I do if I forget to take my Xenical dose?

If you forget to take your Xenical dose, the only problem is you will miss the benefit of the drug. But do not panic. You can continue with your regular schedule of Xenical.

A brief introduction to Viagra

Viagra is a very popular prescription pill available in the market for the treatment of impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED). It has been proven beneficial for millions of men worldwide. Viagra pills are also known as the blue pills.

Impotence is a common problem among men of all ages. In this condition, a man is unable to get and sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activities.

How does Viagra work?

If you are suffering from impotence, you can find relief with Viagra. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. It helps increase blood flow in the penis and allows you to get strong and hard erections.  Sildenafil stops the breakdown of cGMP in the penile chambers. As cGMP builds up, the smooth muscles in the penis relax and the arteries dilate. Viagra needs to be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse and its effect usually lasts for 4 hours.

Viagra online

If you are shy about discussing this problem even with your partner, you can buy Viagra online. But you need a valid prescription. To get a prescription, you need to complete a short online consultation with registered doctors. A number of online clinics are offering you the blue pill, but make sure that you buy it only from an authorized clinic.

Viagra side effects
The most common side effects of Viagra include:

• facial flushing
• upset stomach
• nausea
• headache

These side effects are usually very mild and go away quickly. But in case they bother you for too long, talk to your doctor. If you experience chest pain during sex, stop taking Viagra and inform your doctor.

Recharging your sex life with testosterone

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is common among women of all ages. Intrinsa patch, the latest FSD treatment, have created much enthusiasm among women who have been waiting for long to get their version of Viagra. Manufactured by Procter and Gamble, Intrinsa is the first prescription medicine for treating low sexual desire in women. It was introduced in 2007 and ever since, it's been seen by experts as one of the leading medicinal supplements to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). 
 

FSD - Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction, unlike male impotence, is a distinct lack of interest in any kind of sexual activities. Factors behind FSD can be hormonal changes, or something else. But you know for sure you are suffering from FSD when you are even unable to fantasise abut sex. With FSD, you can find it difficult or impossible to get orgasms.

Factors behind lack of sexual desire 

Sometimes you feel you are not just in the mood and look for excuses to avoid sex with your partner. This is when you need treatment for lack of libido. FSD is directly linked with women's reproductive health and sexual happiness. A hormone called oestrogen is behind female sexual behaviours and outcomes. When oestrogen level goes below normal, a woman can have difficulties in enjoying her sex life. Similarly, surgical removal of ovaries can cause a young woman to feel low on sexual desire. Young age is the most fertile time for a woman, so any sexual dysfunction this time can be detrimental to both her mind and body.

Age is also a factor behind women's low sexual desire. With age comes many health complications and you may start perceiving your body and sexual responses in a different manner. So to increase your hunger for sex, you need something that can artificially boost your interest in sex. You can use an Intrinsa patch to see the difference.

Intrinsa – The drive booster 

A single patch of Intrinsa contains 300mg of testosterone, which is delivered straight to the bloodstream through skin. The ovaries and the adrenal gland produce testosterone naturally. So if the source organs are removed, you'll then need the hormone from outside.

You should use Intrinsa patches for a long period of time, preferably for months, to notice the positive results. You need to wear the patch continuously for at least 72 hours. Unlike the ED drug Viagra, which only helps men get firmer and stronger erections, Intrinsa can improve stimulation, excitement and orgasm.   

An envious success rate 

Clinical trials revealed that 51% women who had menopause after surgical removal of their ovaries reported improved sexual performance and pleasure after using the testosterone patches. But these patches won't boost your sexual desire if your menopause is natural.

Probable side effects 

Intrinsa has testosterone, which is a predominantly male hormone. So its side effects may include change of voice, appearance of body hair and irritation in the abdominal skin. But the side effects usually go away after you stop using the patches. As you see, the goodness of testosterone patches outweigh their shortcomings, which is why you can try them out to reclaim your libido.

Why should you take Propecia?

Propecia not only can stop hair loss but can also help to grow new hair. It is a very popular treatment for male pattern hair loss. Propecia is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective medication to provide relief from one of the most common problems many men experience. The drug was discovered in 1997.

Pattern hair loss can lead you to baldness. Baldness can affect your confidence and self esteem. If you are suffering from this problem, you can seek the help of Propecia. Many men who use Propecia have experienced no further hair loss. In some cases men experience significant regrowth of hair too.

What is the action mechanism of Propecia?

Propecia has finasteride as its active ingredient. The medicine works by lowering the level of an androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. Propecia blocks DHT production and allows hair follicles to come into their normal size. As a result, your hair start growing again.

You can see the positive result of Propecia in 3 to 6 months and within 9 months, your hair may even begin to regrow.

How should I take Propecia?

One Propecia tablet should be taken daily. You can take it at any time. If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take the next dose. You can take Propecia with or without food. If you are taking any other medicines, talk to your doctor before taking Propecia.

Possible side effects of Propecia

 
The side effects of Propecia are very uncommon. But some men experience erectile dysfunction, low libido and decreased amount of semen after using Propecia. You need to consult a doctor if you experience such side effects.

Happy Weight Management with Xenical

Living with obesity can be a problem. It can invite many health problems, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and even cancer. Besides, you may also have difficulties in getting along with your peers and acquaintances. In case you are looking for a comprehensive weight management program for better living, Xenical orlistat can be the right choice for you.

Orlistat – Direct and effective obesity treatment

Many weight loss medicines suppress appetite or boost up the metabolic rate. These are all indirect methods to help an obese or overweight person lose weight. But Xenical works directly at the fat you take through food. It attaches to the lipases enzymes and prevents them from breaking down the dietary fat. The undigested fat eventually gets out of your system in bowel movements. It is proven that orlistat can help get rid of one-third of fat taken through food.

Happy weight management with Xenical
 

To be happy and slim, orlistat alone won't help. You need to eat sensibly and exercise daily. There is no shortcut secret to losing weight. A sensible diet is a low-calorie and nutritionally balanced diet. To allow Xenical to take care of your problems, you must also engage in physical activities on a regular basis – be it a 30-minute gym session everyday, or regular jogging in the park.

Visit to the doctor

To know if you can use Xenical, visit your doctor's clinic and discuss your problem. Your doctor may want to know about the details of your existing health problems, if any, and whether or not you sought any obesity treatment earlier.

Basic Information About Testosterone Patches

Testosterone is a hormone, absorbed via abdominal skin, that helps women to maintain the basic functioning and sexual desire in their body. We can find testosterone in Intrinsa  patches. Women who are not able to produce enough testosterone can use this treatment. It enters in their body through skin into their blood stream, which helps them to be sexually aroused. Using testosterone patches is very easy, but you need to keep some points in mind. 

How can you make the best use of these patches?

You need to apply testosterone patches on dry and clean skin on the abdomen. If you are having any kind of injury, bruise or cuts, do not apply the patches on that area of the skin.

It is advisable to use it for 2-3 days and then change it. Make sure that you are using this on different parts of your body. You should keep a distance period of seven days before applying it on the same area of the body.

The best part is that you can wear this patch even while bathing or swimming. Apply it regularly as recommended by your doctor, if you want to get the best results out of it. Some side effects have also been noticed with Intrinsa patches, but you need not worry about it because they are not very serious side effects.

Some minor side effects of testosterone patches are:

• Itching
• Hair loss
• Anxiety
• Swelling
• Depression
• Yellow eyes
• Change the amount of urine

Emergency Contraception – Choices and Precautions

Emergency contraception is a birth control method for the prevention of pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of regular contraception. Millions of women in the UK depend on emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the morning-after pills, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These pills can help you in two scenarios:

1. Contraceptive failure (condom got torn or you forgot to take your regular contraceptive pill)
2. Unprotected sex (sex without condom or any other barrier method)

What are the options available to me?
 
As far as emergency contraceptives are concerned, you can choose either progestin-only pills or combined pills comprising oestrogen and progestin. Both methods of contraception are known as hormonal contraception. But you should always talk to your doctor before using any emergency birth control pills.

Familiar choice – ellaOne
 
In case you are looking for a contraceptive pill which you can trust as your second line of defense, it is always advisable to go for the one which many women have already chosen. ellaOne is one of the safest emergency contraceptive pills available in the UK now. It has an impressive success rate. It is estimated that 98 out of 100 women do succeed in avoiding pregnancies with ellaOne. But it must be taken within 120 hours from unprotected sex.

ellaOne is a progestin-only pill, containing ulipristal acetate as the active ingredient. The active ingredient of ellaOne is a synthetic version of a female sex hormone called progesterone. It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and in doing so, prevents pregnancy. The pill is available in the strength of 30mg.

Levonelle – Be 'One Step' ahead with the 'morning after pill'
 
Another popular choice in the UK, Levonelle One Step is also called the 'morning after pill' because of its dosing schedule. You need to take the pill within 72 hours from unprotected intercourse. But in order to minimise the risk of pregnancy, you should take it immediately after sex. Studies show that Levonelle has been 95% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies when taken within 24 hours from sex. This contraceptive drug has levonorgestral as its active ingredient. It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs and also by altering the natural lining of the wombs. The medicine is available in the strength of 1500mcg.

Precautions
 
Emergency birth control pills neither protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), nor do they terminate pregnancies. So it is always advisable to use condoms as the primary line of defence. Similarly, if you are already pregnant, emergency contraceptives won't help you in terminating the pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed immediately after taking ellaOne. Wait for at least 36 hours before you breastfeed again. While taking Levonelle, watch out for allergic reactions with levonorgestral. You should not take the morning after pill if you have liver problems. Tell your doctor in case you are taking any other medications for conditions such as epilepsy or any bacterial infections. If your next period gets delayed by more than a week, get a pregnancy test done.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder and its cure

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a condition wherein a woman loses interest in sex or is unable to get sexual pleasure, for reasons ranging from just tiredness to hormonal changes. FSD can strike anytime, but in majority of cases, women nearing menopause are the worst sufferers. FSD is considered to be a hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) when the former condition lasts for so long that the woman actually suffers from depression or guilt about her inability to please her sexual partner. 

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder – Causes

 

The causes of HSDD are usually more grim than that of FSD. When it comes to FSD, depression is not so prominent in the woman who suffers from it. But with HSDD, distress over lack of interest in sex and sexual performance overwhelms a woman, often causing relationship crisis.

The causes of hypoactive sexual desire disorder are varied, ranging from low levels of testosterone to psychiatric problems. As the problem is often developed from FSD, the testosterone therapy is considered to be helpful in artificially increasing a woman's sexual desire.

Testosterone patches for reigniting the fire
 

When you are low on sexual desire and you do not have any mental or physical health problem, there is a fair chance that you have low levels of testosterone in your body. Testosterone is the hormone which regulates sexual desire and performance. There is a common misconception that testosterone is exclusive to males. But women also have the hormone in smaller volumes. Amount of testosterone in the body starts reducing with age. As a result, you may start finding sex as boring. Mood swings and lack of motivation are very common in women with a low testosterone level.

Surgical removal of ovaries and/or uterus can cause the levels of testosterone to drop. Women with surgically induced menopause often experience a sudden drop in sexual desire. This is when you need treatment. You can seek medical help to artificially increase testosterone levels in your body to get back your hunger for sex.

Testosterone patches
 

Some years back, it was almost an unthinkable proposition that anything can be done to increase a woman's sexual desire. But Intrinsa testosterone patches changed it all in 2007.


Intrinsa patch – The Viagra for women
 

Often compared to the male impotence pill Viagra, Intrinsa contains testosterone as the active ingredient. It delivers the hormone to the bloodstream through the skin and helps in boosting your sexual desire. The patch is meant to be worn around the waist and lower abdomen. Each patch can deliver 300mg of testosterone transdermally. The patches help you make up for the reduction in testosterone levels as you age. Similarly, when your ovaries or uterus are removed, the patches supply testosterone and help keep your sexual desire alive.

You should wear a testosterone patch for 3-4 days at a stretch. Wear it on a clean, dry area in your skin. You will experience the effects within a month, sometimes a bit more. Talk to your doctor immediately if you suffer from any skin condition.

If bald is not beautiful for you

The condition of hairlessness is very common among men of all ages. While baldness is romanticised a lot in films and other forms of art, the reality is that no man feels exulted when his scalp goes shiny. Among all types of hair fall that men experience, male pattern baldness affects most men. But there is nothing to feel devastated about it and you are not the only one with this problem anyway. Studies show that male pattern hair loss affects approximately half the male population by the time they reach the age of 50. And many of them do not even get a clue that they are losing hair until much of it is gone. But the heartening thing is that with proper and timely treatment, you can not just stop hair from falling off, but can also get some of your lost hair back.

Stages of male hair loss

Unlike random hair fall, male pattern baldness follows a typical pattern. With the help of patient surveys and clinical observations, experts have reached a general consensus about the different phases of hair loss:

• Phase 1: The hairline starts to recede.
• Phase 2: The anterior part of the head gets exposed, followed by disappearance of hair from a very small region at the vertex.
• Phase 3: Similar to the previous phase, only the rate of disappearance accelerates.
• Phase 4: The receding hairline is about to meet the the hairless region at the vertex, which is also expanding.
• Phase 5: Phase 4 culminates, causing a bald scalp with very thin covering of hair on either side of the vertex.

Even if you want, you may not be able to prevent the first 2 phases of male pattern baldness. This is because by the time you will come to know about your hair loss, much of it will be gone. But what you can do is talk to your doctor to prevent further damage. Unlike many other losses, hair loss is not irreparable and with finasteride, you will notice significant improvement in just about 3 months.

Propecia finasteride for prevention of male pattern baldness

This FDA-approved once a day pill is intended to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia is the brand name for finasteride, the active ingredient in this drug. Finasteride helps reduce a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Experts believe that DHT is responsible for male pattern hair loss, along with genetic factors. DHT triggers hair fall by causing the hair follicles to contract and preventing hair from coming out of the contracted follicles. What finasteride does is it blocks the production of DHT and in doing so, keeps the hair follicles from contracting.

You are the one to mind your head!

Hair loss can affect some men negatively, causing distress and poor body image. On the other hand, some men live just fine with a shiny scalp. So it is not compulsory to treat male pattern baldness. You are in the best position to decide what you need to do. It is advisable that you should talk to your doctor first and discuss your problem frankly.