Steroid Abuse Leads To Alarming Rise In Hair Loss Victims

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 07 Jul 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Men are being warned that steroids can lead to premature baldness after a leading hair clinic reported an alarming rise in the number of patients affected by the designer drugs.

Optima Hair Specialists - which supplies advanced hair replacement systems - has seen a 60 per cent increase* in enquiries from men who have taken anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and suffered early hair loss as a result.

AAS are believed to stimulate Dihydrotestosterone** (DHT) - a powerful sex hormone that triggers baldness in men***.

Peter Murtha, founder of Optima Hair Specialists, said: "It is widely accepted that DHT has an adverse affect on hair follicles and is the main culprit behind male pattern baldness. Recent studies have found that steroid drugs can increase the levels of DHT within the body and therefore accelerate hair loss.

"Alarmingly, we've seen a significant rise in enquiries from men who have taken steroids and subsequently suffered from premature baldness. I feel it's crucial to warn others of the potential dangers, so they can avoid the side effects of AAS."

Peter added: "If you have taken steroids and suffered premature baldness, all is not lost. There are treatments and solutions available to help you regain your head of hair and your confidence. At Optima, we provide a range of advanced hair replacement systems that tackle your hair loss, improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem."

Based in Birmingham, Optima Hair Specialists offers clients a discreet and personal service, providing tailor-made hair replacement procedures and expert advice from a team of renowned specialists.

* Based on enquiry figures at Optima Hair Specialists, March 2008-April 2009
** Robert W Brueggemeier, Ph.D, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University
*** Rebora A (2004). "Pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia". J Am Acad Dermatol 50 (5): 777-9

Notes

- Optima Hair Specialists is based in Birmingham, UK and supplies hair replacement systems to men, women and children.

- Hair loss affects around 85 per cent of the UK's male population before they are 60. 45 per cent of Optima's consultations are with women.

- Case studies are available upon request.

- Optima Hair Specialists works with Birmingham Children's Hospital to provide hair replacement systems for children suffering hair loss due to illness.

- Clients include ex-footballer Tony Daly and cricketer Kabir Ali.

Source
Optima Hair Specialists