Beta sitosterols for slowing hairloss

[Dr Arvind]

Dear forum readers,
An often asked question -
What to use to slow down/stop further hairloss?

The mainstream recommendation is a triad of finasteride tablets (1mg/day), Minoxidil lotion (twice daily application) and Ketoconazole shampoo (twice a week application).


Having experienced hair thinning myself, I have used all of the above.
However, as a matter of personal opinion, I do not recommend these to my patients. And do not use them for myself anymore.

A lot of patients and some fellow hair transplant surgeons have questioned my approach. Therefore, I wish to clarify my choice and the reasoning behind it.

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My choice of treatment recommendation for the patient is based on :
1. Safety from side effects
2. Efficacy
3. Patient compliance over long period usage

On the above 3 counts, after having researched the treatments options available around the world, in my opinion, the treatment should start with topical application of natural, plant derived beta sitosterols (instead of the above triad).

Couple it with regular monthly pictures of the area of hairloss. A 6 month pictorial record will let you know whether there are any benefits and will also help your future hair restoration surgeon get a broad perspective of your hair status over time.

You can access some information about beta sitosterols at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_Sitosterol

I have found topical beta sitosterols particularly beneficial when started early in young people with a family history of hairloss.
Of course, if you have undergone hair transplant and are still losing more of your own native hair, its also an option for you.

I believe there is need to study natural products like beta sitosterols in terms of their efficacy in slowing hairloss while at the same time not exposing the patient to longterm adverse effects.

Some additional links with information about beta sitosterols

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-939-BETA-SITOSTEROL.aspx?activeIngredientId=939&activeIngredientName=BETA-SITOSTEROL

http://www.drugs.com/npp/beta-sitosterol.html

http://www.trulyhuge.com/beta-sitosterol-benefits.html

http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/beta-sitosterol.php

We are carrying out further studies on effects of oral beta sitosterols on DHT levels in people suffering from androgenic alopecia and will keep you informed.
I will elaborate on my approach and reasoning behind it in days to follow.
Let me know if you have any queries.
Regards,
Dr. A

 

[dazza uk]

interesting!
look forward to your studies on this subject
So does this come as a solution that you rub into the scalp or pill form??

 

[Bastion]

Dr.Arvind,

Have you any further information on this?

 

[Dr Arvind]

Dear Dazza UK,
For a long time, beta sitosterols have been in use as dietary supplements. However, the dosage in such supplements is too low to give substantial benefit in hairloss.

On the other hand, the problem with application of topical lotions is the difficulty in penetration into the skin.
I personally recommend you read up http://www.keratene.com/therapeutical-compatibility.html

http://www.keratene.com/results-keratene-hair-loss-treatments.html

http://www.keratene.com/clinical-data.html

Regards,
Dr. A