gabelcenter.com Blog

Hair dermatology frequently struggles with identifying female andgrogenic alopecia (FAGA), also known as female pattern hair loss, early on. This is because many of the early symptoms of FAGA are similar to those of telogen effluvium, a condition that rarely leads to baldness. Without being able to identify FAGA early on, dermatologists are often unable to start treating it until it reaches an advanced stage.

A new technology, trichoscopy, offers a method of identifying androgenic alopecia in its early development. Trichoscopy uses video to visualize hair shafts at high magnification. This means that dermatologists can measure things like hair shaft thickness without the need of invasive procedures. It also allows for the visualization of living hair follicles.

While many have commented on the usefulness of trichscopy, there is currently no standardized method for using it to diagnose androgenic alopecia. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Warsaw looks to develop such a method for FAGA. Continue reading →

Pumpkins are more than just a fall time decoration and treat.  Pumpkin seed oil contains high levels of antioxidant carotenoids, omega-6 and omega 9 fatty acids and zinc, all of which may help reduce a man’s risk of developing Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a result, this iconic fall flavor may help reverse hair loss.

Dr. Gabel, of hair transplant bellevue, shares that Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. It occurs when hair on the top and front of the head is genetically programmed to thin and die when exposed to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown of the naturally occurring hormone testosterone. Continue reading →

Smoking increases the risk of respiratory illness, cancer and heart disease. But what about hair health? Studies show that scientists speculate that cigarette smoke can hasten hair loss and lead to premature graying. This isn’t a new idea – smoking has long been connected to poor hair health.

According to epidemiological studies, toxins in smoke that can harm hair follicles and damage hormones. A report in the journal BMJ looked at more than 600 men and women, half of them smokers and found a significant link between smoking and early graying. Continue reading →

Not everybody can have the quaffed and wavy hair you see in California’s 90210. But in the 97124, Hillsboro Oregon, hair loss is a top priority. Dr. Steven Gabel of the Gabel Restoration Center is dedicated to state-of-the-art hair transplantation. Beverly Hills better watch out, because research suggests a relationship between blood pressure and men’s baldness.

In a study published in 2007, for example, researchers looked at 250 men ages 35 to 65. After controlling factors such as age, high cholesterol, and smoking they concluded that hypertension was ”strongly associated” with male pattern baldness. The men with a blood pressure reading above 120 over 80 had twice the risk of the others. Continue reading →

Androgenetic theory is a widely accepted explanation of androgenic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss. The theory proposes that AGA occurs when a person has an excess of angroden receptors in his or her scalp. These receptors lead to an overproduction of DHT (a product of testosterone). Too much DHT causes hair follicle miniaturization; in other words, too many androgen receptors lead to hair loss.

In a recent paper published in Medical Hypotheses, V.K. Soni claims that androgenetic theory fails to explain important questions about hair loss. Why does hair loss only happens in certain areas of the scalp? Why doesn’t hair grow back when testosterone levels decrease? To understand AGA, these questions need to be answered. Continue reading →

Finasteride is an oral medication taken to treat androgenic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss. Until recently, no study longer than 5 years has confirmed the efficacy and safety of Finasteride (commercially known as Propecia). The results of a 10-year study have now been released and confirming the prolonged usefulness of Finasteride. Continue reading →

Hair loss isn’t just cosmetic. Researches from the University of Texas recently concluded that hair loss might be a source of debilitating afflictions, as well as an indicator of serious illnesses.

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 14 different papers that focused on the psychological effects of androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This netted the following results:

• Both men and women view balding men as less physically attractive than non-balding men.
• Men affected by androgenic alopecia “consider it a serious condition with damaging effects, such as feelings of reduced attractiveness, teasing, anxieties about others’ perceptions of them, and self-conscious preoccupation with current and future alopecia.”
• Balding women not only experience higher levels of dissatisfaction with their hair, but with their body image overall when compared to non-balding women.
• Androgenic alopecia prompts increased social isolation: balding individuals avoid locations and environments that they feel highlight their condition.
• Alopecia may affect physical and mental functioning in degrees similar to that of psoriasis, a skin condition.

These are all risk-factors that put hair loss in line with serious psychosocial and psychiatric illnesses. Continue reading →

Turning gray is one thing, but losing your graying hair is a real problem. If you want to preserve your silver fox locks the Gabel Hair Restoration Center in Portland, Or is the place for you. Dr. Steven Gabel, founder and medical director of Gabel Hair Restoration Center, has been recognized internationally as a leader in the field of hair transplantation. If you’re worried about losing your hair, check out this new research that uncovers why we turn gray in the first place. Continue reading →