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By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
What is It?
Erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence, is the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It's more common in men over 65, but it can occur at any age.
Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
Here are five natural remedies that are used for erectile dysfunction.
1) L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance signals smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels to relax, which dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis allows for enhanced blood flow, leading to an erection.
L-arginine is found naturally in foods such as meat, dairy, poultry and fish. It is also available as oral L-arginine supplements, which some product manufacturers market as a "natural Viagra").
There have only been two studies to date, however, evaluating the effectiveness of L-arginine for erectile dysfunction.
One study involved 50 men who took L-arginine (5 grams a day) or a placebo. After six weeks, significantly more men taking L-arginine experienced an improvement in sexual function compared with men taking the placebo. Interestingly, it only benefited men who had initially low levels of nitric oxide.
Another study using a smaller dose of L-arginine and a shorter treatment duration found no benefit with L-arginine use. The study involved 32 men with erectile dysfunction who took oral L-arginine supplements (500 milligrams three times per day) or a placebo for 17 days. Oral L-arginine was no better than the placebo.
Side effects may include digestive complaints. High dosees of L-arginine may stimulate the body's production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, L-arginine may be harmful for individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.
L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with liver disease. It should not be taken by people who are on medications that alter potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors. For more information, read my fact sheet on L-arginine: What is L-Arginine?.
2) Propionyl-L-Carnitine
One study examined the use of two forms of carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in 96 men who with erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. One group were given a placebo, another group took propionyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) plus acetyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) and sildenafil (Viagra) when needed, and the third group used Viagra alone.
Propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were found to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil, and result in improved erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasm, and general sexual well-being compared to Viagra alone.
Another study examined the effectiveness of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements plus sildenafil in men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes who were previously unresponsive to Viagra alone. Participants in the study received either propionyl-L-carnitine (two grams per day) plus Viagra (50 milligrams twice a week) or Viagra alone. After 24 weeks, propionyl-L-carnitine plus Viagra was significantly more effective than Viagra alone.
3) Gingko
The herb ginkgo is used for erectile dysfunction, particularly in people who experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressant drugs. It appears to relax smooth muscle and enhance blood flow in the penis.
In one study of 60 men with erectile dysfunction, there was a 50 percent success rate after six months of ginkgo treatment. Two additional studies, however, found that ginkgo was no better than a placebo.
For more information, read my fact sheet on ginkgo: What is Ginkgo?.
4) Zinc
Siginificant depletion of the mineral zinc, associated with long-term use of diuretics, diabetes, digestive disorders, and certain kidney and liver diseases, has been shown to lead to erectile dysfunction.
5) Ashwagandha
The herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body. It is thought to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function. No studies, however, have examined whether it is effective for erectile dysfunction in humans.
Side effects of ashwagandha may include drowsiness. It should not be combined with sedative drugs.
6) Yohimbe
The bark of the west African yohimbe tree is a source of yohimbine, a compound that has been found to stimulate blood flow to the penis, increase libido, and decrease the period between ejaculations.
Yohimbe is not recommended, however, because it is potentially dangerous, even in small doses. Side effects may include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.
By: Dr. Weil
What is gout?
Gout is a painful, arthritic condition of the joints. It usually strikes the big toes, but it can also affect the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.
What are the symptoms of gout?
The pain associated with gout is often sudden and intense. Joints tend to swell, and can be warm to the touch. The skin around the joint may also take on a deep red or purple hue. People who have had gout for extended periods of time may develop nodules beneath the skin near joints; these are accumulations of uric acid crystals. Attacks can recur in the same joint over weeks, months or years, and repeated bouts of gout can damage the joint. Kidney damage can also occur.
What are the causes of gout?
Gout has a strong genetic component. The hallmark of gout is elevated blood levels of uric acid, a breakdown product of protein metabolism (a distinction should be made by a physician between true gout and pseudogout, a similarly painful, arthritic condition that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals are deposited in a joint). Uric acid comes from the metabolism of purines, a subclass of proteins that are abundant in human tissues and such foods as organ meats, sardines, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and lentils. Also, a number of drugs and supplements can increase uric acid levels in the blood and its tendency to form irritating crystals in joints. These include salicylates (the active component of aspirin), vitamin B3 (niacin), excess vitamin C and diuretics that may be prescribed for high blood pressure, edema or, cardiovascular disease. Others are Cyclosporine (used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs) and Levodopa for Parkinson's disease. Excess alcohol consumption, being overweight, and exposure to lead in the environment also increase the risk of gout in genetically susceptible individuals. Other risk factors include dehydration and acid conditions of the blood that can result from serious infections, surgery or ketogenic weight loss diets (such as the Atkins diet). The genetic component should not be underestimated, however. It is possible to have high levels of uric acid and never develop gout.
What is the conventional treatment of gout?
There is no known cure for gout, but it can be alleviated through a variety of conventional therapies. Physicians often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to keep inflammation and pain under control. Corticosteriods can have a similar affect; these are administered via pills or injections. There are also medicines that can lower levels of uric acid, the best known is probably allopurinol (Zyloprim). All of these measures should be used only as a last resort, as all carry the risk of significant side effects.
What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for gout?
Like so many diseases, gout is likely an artifact of inflammation and habits of lifestyle, which means following an anti-inflammatory diet and making changes in lifestyle should be the first line of defense. The following should be emphasized:
- Avoid meats that are particularly rich sources of uric acid such as organ meats, sardines and anchovies. Physicians used to advise cutting back on purine-rich plant foods such as lentils, peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach; however, recent research has shown no correlation between eating such foods and incidence of gout attacks.
- Eliminate coffee and all other caffeine sources from the diet.
- Minimize alcohol consumption. Alcohol promotes dehydration and irritates the urinary tract.
- Drink the full complement of eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily to flush uric acid from the system and prevent urate crystal deposition.
- If you are overweight, lose the excess pounds.
- Eat tart cherries in all forms - fresh, or as cherry juice, or in the form of tart cherry extract. Laboratory findings at Michigan State University suggest that ingesting the equivalent of 20 tart cherries inhibits enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, which are the targets of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Take bromelain, a compound of digestive enzymes and other compounds extracted from pineapple stems.
From: http://www.speedyremedies.com
What are Pimples?
Bacterial infection in the overactive oil glands situated at the base of the skin generally leads to the formation of Pimples. They are usually pus-filled raised bumps on the skin. Pimples are ugly to look at and hence considered a source of social embarrassment. The face, neck, chest, back and even shoulders are some of the most common sites of this infection.
Frequent breakouts of Pimples are referred to as Acne. Infected blackheads and whiteheads usually lead to the formation of Pimples. Contrary to the popular belief, Pimples are not caused due to dirt, sweat, or consumption of oily foods, chocolates, etc.
Though, the popular conception that Pimples should not be squeezed holds true. The act of picking or squeezing Pimples is discouraged as it may lead to further inflammation and scarring. Although many over the counter medicines and creams are often suggested to cure Pimples, still people are more attracted towards the natural cures in the form of natural home remedies for Pimples because they are safer and cheaper than the conventions methods of treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of Pimples
As already mentioned, overactive oil glands play an important role in causing Pimples. The oil glands tend to become overactive due to overstimulation caused by hormonal changes. The hormonal changes could be triggered by puberty.
Hormonal changes caused by menstrual cycles also contribute in the development of Pimple in women. Though, the problem tends to subside once the hormones settle down. Hereditary factors may also be held responsible for causing Pimples and Acne in some cases.
Medicines containing lithium, iodides, bromides, steroids etc have been associated with the worsening of Pimples. Repeatedly washing Pimple affected area may also aggravate the problem as skin tends to produce more oil in response to repeated washing and harsh scrubbing. Stress has also been associated, though indirectly, with frequent breakouts of Pimples.
Pimples are generally characterized by red or yellow colored inflammations on the skin. They are often filled with pus. When a Pimple is squeezed, the pus spreads on the surrounding area resulting in further infection. Moreover, the act of squeezing increases the probability of leaving behind scars even after the healing. These pus-filled Pimples are less commonly known as Pustules.
Natural Home Remedies for Pimples
• Add lemon juice and rose water in equal quantities and apply this mixture on the affected area for about half an hour. Regularly following this remdial procedure for about three to four weeks is one of the most popular natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Lemon juice can also be applied in combination with an equal amount of groundnut oil to prevent as well as cure this embarrassing problem. Similarly, lemon juice can also be added to sandalwood powder and the application of the resultant paste can help reduce Pimples to a great extent. A combination of lemon juice and cinnamon power is also beneficial in Pimple treatment.
• Honey is also considered good for skin. Applying a mixture prepared from three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder over night is another popular natural cure for this irritating problem. This natural remedy is sure to give encouraging results if religiously followed for at least two weeks.
• A facial mask consisting of grated apple and honey serves as an effective home treatment for Pimples and Acne.
• Rubbing garlic on the affected area several times in a day is one of the most effective though smelly natural home remedies for Pimples. For quicker results, garlic should also be taken internally.
• Regularly applying the pulp of ripe tomatoes on the face for about an hour or so helps in the effective treatment of Pimples. Cucumber pulp can also be used in the same way with the same results.
• Raw papaya juice can be applied on the Pimples to cure Pimples naturally.
• Simply applying freshly extracted mint juice serves as one of the easiest possible natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Applying a mixture of coriander juice and some turmeric is an effective home remedy for Pimple treatment. Alternatively, if coriander juice is not available then mint juice can be used in its place.
• Add two to three teaspoons of dried basil leaves to one cup water and boil the mixture for about 15-20 minutes. Cool the mixture and then apply it on the affected area. This therapeutic home remedy should be followed on a regular basis to get rid of Pimples naturally.
• Mix some water in a mixture of crushed margosa (neem) leaves and turmeric to make a fine paste. Finally, rub the resultant mixture on the Pimples and leave it on the skin for about half an hour to heal Pimples successfully and remove the left over scars too.
• Take some roasted and powdered peels of pomegranate fruit. Next, add some lime juice to this powder to make a paste like mixture. Applying this mixture is one of the most valuable natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Take some fenugreek leaves, crush them and add sufficient water, just enough to make a paste. Apply this paste on the face over night and wash it off with warm water in the morning as an effective natural remedy for natural Pimple removal. This remedy is particularly useful for individuals with dry skin.
• Take some grinded nutmeg and add a little raw milk to it. Apply the mixture and leave it for about one or two hours. This natural home remedy is not only beneficial in curing Pimples but is useful in getting rid of their scars as well.
• Tea tree oil and aloe vera gel have anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties that help in dealing with Pimples. Marigold and wheat germ oil are also effective against Pimples.
• Applying a mixture prepared from fuller’s earth and some water or rose water is a tried and tested Pimple cure. Fuller’s earth helps absorb excess oil from the skin.
Diet for Pimples
Judicious mix of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds etc constitutes a healthy and balanced diet. A diet rich in vitamin A and zinc is highly recommended to deal with this problem. Moreover, consumption of wheatgrass juice helps in controlling Pimples effectively.
Oils extracted from corns, sunflowers, and safflowers have been associated with therapeutic properties for curing as well as preventing Pimples. Plus, regular and adequate consumption of fruit juices and water is considered favorable for the skin.
Though, fried and fatty foods do not cause Pimples by themselves, still they do not even help in the process of healing. Self control is the essence of any favorable treatment. Caffeinated and sugary products tend to produce toxins which are harmful for the overall health. Moreover, over consumption of junk food may prove to be unfavorable for the healing process.
by Editors of Consumer Guide
Remaining hydrated is critical to your overall health. Every cell in your body needs water in order to function properly. In fact, an adult's body weight is 60 percent water, while an infant's is up to 80 percent water. Other than oxygen, there's nothing that your body needs more than water.
The simple cure for dehydration comes from the tap. Turn it on and drink. But there are other kitchen helpers that will keep you hydrated, too. Check out the next page for some helpful home remedies to treat dehydration.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
1: Bland Foods
If you've experienced dehydration, stick to foods that are easily digested for the next 24 hours, because stomach cramps are a symptom of dehydration and can recur. Try soda crackers, rice, bananas, potatoes and flavored gelatins. Gelatins are especially good since they are primarily made of water.
You can also start and end your day with 16 ounces of water. It's a great way to prevent mild dehydration.
2: Watery Fruits
Bananas have great water content and are especially good for restoring potassium that has vanished with dehydration. You can also try watery fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries. Watery vegetables such as cucumbers are good, too.
Try adding 1 teaspoon lime juice, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon sugar to a pint of water. Sip the beverage throughout the day to cure mild dehydration.
3: Salt
If you're experiencing symptoms of mild dehydration or heat injury, or you're just plain sweating a lot, make sure you replace your salt. Don't just chug salt straight from the box, however. Try eating pretzels, salted crackers or salty nuts.
And to slough off the dry, flaky skin that comes from dehydration, try this: After you bathe and while your skin is still wet, sprinkle salt onto your hands and rub it all over your skin. This salt massage will remove dry skin and make your skin smoother to the touch. It will also invigorate your skin and get your circulation moving. Also, if your skin is itchy as a result of dehydration, soaking in a tub of salt water can be a great itchy-skin reliever. Just add 1 cup table salt or sea salt to bathwater. This solution will also soften skin and relax you.
4: Sport Drinks
Not only will they add water back into your system, sport drinks restore potassium and other essential electrolytes (a salt substance, such as potassium, sodium, and chlorine found in blood, tissue fluids, and cells that carry electrical impulses). For children, these adult drinks may be too harsh, so talk to your pharmacist about pediatric rehydration drinks now on the market.
Don't depend on sport drinks or soft drinks for all your fluid requirements. They can come with side effects and calories. Plain old water is the best choice. Yogurt or cottage cheese both have sodium and potassium for replacing electrolytes as well.
5: Ice
Suck on ice or rub it on your body when you're overheated. This will help cool you down and prevent excess evaporation, which may lead to dehydration.
Eating a popsicle is a great way to restore water to your body as well. It's an easy way to get fluids into kids, too.
If you drink bottled water, freeze some in the bottom of an empty bottle, then top if off with cold water when you're ready to go. You'll have cold water ready to drink for hours. If you know you'll need more than one bottle of cold water, grab another full bottle, drain about an inch from the top and freeze the whole thing. By the time the first bottle is empty, you'll have plenty of cold water in the second.
From: williamkwan
So I've had a sensitive nose all my life, and I've tried all the typical remedies (nasal irrigation, anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, etc). A few months ago, while surfing the net, I came across the most awesome way to relieve nasal congestion. I wanted to share it with you guys and see if it works as well for other people as it does for me.
The premise is simple. When we breathe too much, we exhale too much carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is an important vasodilator, meaning that if we don't have enough, inflammation starts to occur. Therefore, curing nasal congestion simply requires us to increase the level carbon dioxide in our blood.
This is the simple exercise that has helped me so very much. If anyone here happens to have a stuffy nose, please try it out share how well it worked.
1. Breathe out. Hold your nose and close your mouth.
2. Hold your breath until it starts getting a bit uncomfortable. It’s faster if you walk around a bit. Nodding your head back and forth works too.
3. Keep your back straight and unplug your nose, keeping your mouth closed. Breathe as slowly as possible. You should feel your nose gently clearing out.
The concept of breathing less to increase carbon dioxide levels is known as the Buteyko method. I wrote a blog post on it here, if you’re interested to know more about it.
By Lee Morgan, eHow Contributor
A big stomach can mean many things. Finding a remedy for such a problem can only be done properly by first identifying the underlying cause of the condition. A big stomach may result from bloating due to gas, obesity, or a symptom of another problem that causes swelling in the abdomen.
Bloating From Gas
If your stomach bloats shortly after eating and the condition is temporary then it is most likely gas related. Gas can cause the stomach to enlarge and it may lead to mild to moderate pain and cause belching.
There are many ways to remedy gas at home without seeing the doctor. The easiest is to modify the way in which you eat. Chew slowly and take your time with a meal to encourage proper digestion and prevent unnecessary swallowing of air. Eating a couple of crackers before a big meal may better prepare and calm your stomach to help avoid gas, according to healthguidance.org.
Sipping very cold milk and allowing it to coat and soothe the stomach when it is experiencing indigestion can help quickly relieve gas pain and bloating, and the use of ginger tea (boiling ginger root in water) is an old favorite as an herbal cure for gas.
Obesity
If your stomach is enlarged because you have become obese, the answer is simple. You must lose weight. Depending on body type, some obese people carry their weight below the waist in their buttocks and legs, while others carry it high in their stomach and chest. Each type of obesity has its complications. To regain a flat stomach and improve your overall health, a balanced diet that includes recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and grains in addition to aerobic and muscle-building exercise is the only sure route to success.
Exercises that force you to use the unsupported trunk of your body, such as crunches, Pilates and core exercises with a fitness ball, will help you strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Swelling
If neither gas nor obesity appears to be the cause of your enlarged stomach, it is possible you have another medical condition that may need to be checked out by a doctor. Some causes of an enlarged stomach include food allergies, hernia, pregnancy, malabsorption, diabetic gastroparesis, appendicitis and pancreatic or gallbladder disease. All of these require medical care, according to wrongdiagnosis.com.
However, there are some causes that you may be able to remedy at home once you find out what the problem is.
Premenstrual syndrome, constipation and lactose intolerance can all cause stomach bloating and may all be relieved with home remedies.
Bloating caused by PMS is rooted in water retention. To relieve this discomfort cut back on salty foods and drink plenty of water to flush out your system. More water will also help with constipation, as will the consumption of whole grains and fiber.
Lactose intolerance, however, means you will have to avoid foods with lactose (milk sugar) while maintaining enough calcium for general nutritional needs.
Read more: Home Remedy for a Big Stomach | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5535482_home-remedy-big-stomach.html#ixzz2DKtckwsR
Written by Colin Brennan, health journalist
People have always been gullible where their hair is concerned. Queen Victoria drank silver birch wine made from sap because she believed it would cure her baldness. And despite icons such as David Beckham shaving off their locks, hair loss is refusing to become fashionable.
Dr Andrew Messenger, a consultant dermatologist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, told NetDoctor: 'Although the great majority of men learn to live with it, I think everybody would prefer not to be bald. For a very small number of men, it becomes a big issue.'
He says it is more often younger men who visit their doctor to ask what can be done about hair thinning.
Medical attitudes to thinning hair
Most doctors believe men should think deeply before using any remedies for hair loss because the treatment options are so limited.
Baldness isn't a life-threatening condition, and it is easy to spend a lot of money trying to restore a full head of hair.
While it's all very well being told how you ought to feel about the loss of your hair, if it starts to dint your self-esteem, it's probably worth seeking treatment.
But Dr Messenger is clear about the limitations of medicine in this area: 'There are only two ways to deal with baldness currently available in the UK that the evidence shows work to at least some extent.' Neither of the medicines listed below is available on the NHS.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical solution (liquid) under the brand name Regaine.
How does it work?
We don't know how minoxidil works. It was first used on patients with heart disease who reported an increased growth in their hair.
It may increase blood supply to the hair follicles.
How is it used?
It's applied twice a day, and it can take up to four months for the results to be noticeable.
Is it effective?
- About two-thirds of the men who use it have some improvement in their hair growth, ranging from minimal to moderate-to-dense regrowth.
- If hair starts to regrow, it will probably be soft, downy and barely visible. With continued use, this new hair may become the same colour and thickness as the rest of your hair.
- Regrowth of hair can be as much as 25 per cent of the existing hair, depending on how bad the hair loss has been and how long it has been happening.
- It is not possible to tell in advance whether minoxidil will work for you, and there's no evidence it works better in younger men. They may get better results because hair loss is not as severe, but this would apply to a man in middle age too.
- It isn't known why minoxidil works for some people and not others.
Regaine Extra Strength is a higher strength version of minoxidil and has a slightly better effect.
- The first sign of new hair begins to show after two months and it peaks at around one year.
- In trials comparing the two strengths, Regaine Extra produced 43 per cent more regrowth than the regular strength after 12 months' use.
How long do the effects last?
Any benefits to hair growth will carry on for as long as you continue the twice-daily applications.
Once you stop using minoxidil, regrown hair will be lost after three to four months, and the balding process will start again.
'It can become a bit of a bind rubbing it into the scalp twice a day after it has stopped improving and you can't see anything happening,' says Dr Messenger. 'You also have to go on paying for it at the rate of about £25 per month.'
How much does it cost?
The price depends on the strength and quantity of minoxidil being purchased. It is possible to get a triple pack three-month supply for around £59.95.
Is it safe?
Minoxidil is a safe treatment. Known side-effects include irritation of the scalp and the growth of hair on other parts of the body.
In some cases, loss of hair actually increases at first. If hair loss continues after two weeks, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor.
People with heart conditions should not use Regaine without first seeing their GP.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral tablet treatment for male baldness. In the UK its brand name is Propecia.
It is not available over the counter in shops or on the NHS: this means you will need to get a private prescription from your GP.
How does it work?
It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it.
How is it used?
You take one tablet every day, with or without food.
Is it effective?
Propecia is effective in about 80 per cent of men.
It may take three to six months of treatment before you see any noticeable results.
How long do the effects last?
You will need to continue to use Propecia to maintain any benefits to hair growth.
This can be expensive, because doctors can only prescribe the medicine on a private prescription.
If you stop taking the drug, you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment is around £35 per month.
Is it safe?
Yes. Potential side-effects include sexual problems such as a decrease in sex drive and temporary impotence.
Women cannot take this treatment, nor should they handle any crushed or broken tablets. This is because the active ingredient can cause feminisation of a male foetus in pregnancy.
What if these treatments don't work?
There are no other clinically proven medicines for baldness.
In cases where medicines aren't effective, some men may be tempted to try a hair graft.
Hair replacement grafts
How does it work?
In a hair graft, surgery is used to take hair from the back of the scalp and transplant it to the bald patch where the hair grows as if it were still on the original site.
- It is a minor operation done under local anaesthetic.
- It can be done in several stages or in one mega session where thousands of hairs are involved.
- The hair is now usually moved in micrografts - small groups of hairs - to get a more natural look. This helps avoid the graft resembling a doll's head.
Is it effective?
'A good result depends entirely on the surgeon's skill,' says Dr Messenger. 'I have seen some fairly good results but I don't think it ever looks completely natural.'
How much does it cost?
Usually between £1500 and £4000.
Is it safe?
The side-effects are the usual surgical risks of infection and scarring.
There is no known way of reversing this procedure, so if you aren't pleased with the results, you're stuck with it. The transplanted hairs will grow on in the same way as the hairs at the back of the head, which most men keep forever.
'I wouldn't recommend surgery hair grafts to anybody. I would let men know it's available, but that's all. I certainly wouldn't have it done myself. It is pretty bloody and traumatic,' says Dr Messenger.
What about claims for other products?
Dr David Fenton, a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital in London, says men should be careful about adverts that claim to cure hair loss.
'Many of these people are offering treatments that have no scientific basis. Men wishing to restore their hair should stay well clear of them and get advice from doctors. Then they will be advised by people who are highly trained in their field, not salesmen with no medical background whatsoever.'
He also feels that men seeking help should be supported, given counselling and not belittled.
Buyer beware
Elizabeth Steel founded the support group Hairline International for both men and women after she lost her own hair.
'We hear of so many unsatisfactory transplants that we no longer recommend them,' she says.
'We advise our members to stay away from private clinics to avoid losing their money as well as their hair. It is just money down the drain.
'Some men have told me they knew the exotic and expensive remedies they were given weren't going to work, but they just wanted to enjoy the temporary light at the end of the tunnel.'
Her organisation has given impartial advice to more than 30,000 men worried about their hair falling out. Elizabeth says thinning hair can leave men very vulnerable: in one case, a successful 40-year-old father of two took his own life after a hair transplant went wrong.
Where can I get help?
- Your GP: consult your doctor before you hand over your money to anyone offering a cure for baldness.
- For general advice on hair loss, write to Hairline International, Lyons Court, 1668 High Street, Knowle, West Midlands B93 0LY. Enclose an A4-sized self-addressed envelope.
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
