Propecia for hair growth

Can finasteride (propecia) grow hair?

Finasteride is the generic name for the brand names proscar and propecia. Finasteride was initially marketed for treatment of enlarged prostate. However, during the clinical trials it was observed that some men complained of hair growth. The amount of hair growth during these trials was never quantified and in most cases was mild. This did not stop the drug company from turning the product around and marketing it for males going bald. There is both a 1 mg pill and a topical solution available for hair growth. The company claims that the 1 mg pill can lower levels of DHT and help minimize hair loss. A lot of numbers are given by the company on the success of this drug in restoring hair.

So what is the real evidence?

If there ever was a scam, than this is it. Finasteride at best only grows a strand of hair here and there. There is not an individual on this universe that can step forward and claim to have decent hair growth following use of finasteride. Individuals have used finasteride for more than 5-10 years, and in the majority, the drug has done nothing. The drug is expensive and in 99.9999999% of individuals, it does nothing. In the other 0.000001% of individuals, they may get some pubic hair growth.

Therefore, the best advice for those who have loss of hair or baldness, get used to the condition, or get a wig. There is no drug out there that will grow more than 1-2 hairs a year. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the drug market that works for hair growth. If you have no money and are going baldness, get used to that bald look, wear a hat or get rid of your mirror. If you have money and are going baldness get a wig. Hair transplant is an option, but it is exorbitantly expensive and often does not work great. Baldness sucks especially when it occurs in the prime of your life, but I would rather be bald and have money, then be bald and having wasted all my money on a worthless drug.

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Silicone implant leak

Can a small leak in silicone breast implant change shape of my breast?

After a silicone breast implant, if you have pain or change in the shape or size of your breast, a leak must be ruled out. When the breast implant is first inserted, a fibrous capsule or scar tissue forms around the implant. When the silicone leaks, it incites an inflammatory reaction of this scar tissue. This will present as pain and hardening of your breast. You will notice that the skin texture around the leaked site is different or firm. Many women complain of an odd ache or discomfort when a leak occurs. You need an MRI-which will cost you close to $1,500.

Breast implant rupture

I had silicone breast implants recently and think I may have a rupture. Is this dangerous?

Breast implants are sturdy and durable but they sure can rupture. When a breast implant ruptures, the silicone leaks around the breast and can cause development of a thick firm scar. This may lead to pain and asymmetry of the breast. You will definitely notice a chance in the contour of the breast. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy if the ruptured implant can cause cancer or other collagen vascular disorders. Some people say it does and some say it does not. The best advice is to see your surgeon and let him decide the next course of action. You can rest assured- managing a ruptured implant is an expensive undertaking.

 

Treatment of phobias

How are phobias generally treated?

Once the phobia is diagnosed, there are treatments for this mental disorder. In most cases, a combination of medication and behavior therapy can help reduce the phobia. In the majority of cases, a phobia will never get better if it is left alone.  There is no cure for phobia but the therapies can help reduce the fear and anxiety. The behavior therapies can help you manage your reactions to the phobic-causing situation. The types of medications used to treat phobia range from beta-blockers to reduce the symptoms of fast heart rate and sweating, anti-depressants and sedatives. Behavior therapy can help one adjust to the phobia. The therapies emphasize learning and developing a sense of behavior control of thoughts and actions.

Feeling afraid for no reason

I sometimes feel afraid for no apparent reason. What do you think is wrong?

Phobia is defined as an intense and irrational fear of a situation or an object that in reality poses little risk. A phobia is different from anxiety and can be long lasting, cause severe physical and emotional reactions that can affect one’s ability to function normally. There are many types of phobias- some people hate closed spaces, others fear certain animals, some are afraid to get in the elevator and so on. In general, phobia does not need treatment if it does not affect you daily life.

Can Electricity improve memory!

 We know that no drugs can improve memory, and researchers have been looking at more exotic methods to stimulate the brain. Recently scientists from the famed British University, Oxford, revealed that tiny electrical current to the brain could make one better at learning maths. They observed that when the parietal lobe of the brain was shocked, the ability of volunteers to solve mathematical problems improved. They suggest that perhaps this technique may help people who struggle with numbers (dyscalculia).

There are many people who have trouble with basic numbers, and this affects their ability to perform even the most basic maths and managing money. Some neuroscientists speculate that perhaps certain chemicals within the parietal lobe play a crucial role in memory.

Previous studies have shown that when magnetic field is applied to certain parts of the brain, it can disrupt electrical activity and lead to temporary difficulties in solving math problems. Therefore, these investigators applied electrical current to stimulate the parietal lobe in a small number of students. The electrical current was minor and had no untoward effects on other brain function. As the current was employed, the students performed much better at mathematical problems than those who were given no electrical current. In addition, the direct of the current was also very important. When the current was given in the wrong direction, their ability to solve problems declined drastically.

The study also revealed that the positive benefits were long lasting and persisted beyond 6 months.

Dr Cohen Kadosh, lead investigator said, "We are not advising people to go around giving themselves electric shocks, but we are extremely excited by the potential of our findings and are now looking into the underlying brain changes. We have shown before that we can induce dyscalculia, and now it seems we might be able to make someone better at maths, so we really want to see if we can help people with dyscalculia. Electrical stimulation is unlikely to turn you into the next Einstein, but if we're lucky it might be able to help some people to cope better with maths."

Final point: While the study is exciting, one should note that electrical therapy (ECT) has been used to treat depression for several decades. So before you start lining up for electrical therapy, remember that even though the current in ECT therapy is slightly high, the majority of people have one major side effect- memory loss, which is sometimes permanent. Until further studies are done on this novel therapy, people who cannot count their money are better off asking others to shop for them.