Man Afflictions

Hair Loss Chemotherapy

May 31st, 2008 | by admin |

Hair Loss Chemotherapy
What can I do to prevent hair loss when going through Chemotherapy?

Will something cold compressed against the scalp prevent hair loss?

There are a few things you can do based on what I’ve researched on the internet and in books:

1) Yes, as the last poster stated you can ‘cool’ your head. The most effective way is with special ‘caps’ that are made for this. And, depending on how long your chemo treatment is, to replace with a new one after a set time period. The problem is they are very expensive (hundreds of dollars each). You may be able to find them cheaper online (possibly) or ask if your treatment center has them (which is unlikely). The theorey is sound as they are even looking at ‘glove’ ones that keep the hands cold to prevent nerve damage from chemo drugs that cause damage that way

2) Use supplements. Of course, this is not approved yet by the FDA, however there are clinical trials going on. I’m referring only to the Maitake (mushroom) extract and especially the ‘D-Fraction’ line. It boosts the immune system and also has some anti-tumor properties especially in certain cancers like breast, prostate, etc. The best one I’ve seen so far is by Maitake Products out of NJ. Their website is www.maitake.com and have been doing since since 1991 and their products are used in several clinical trials. I wouldn’t recommend any of the other mushrooms because only Maitake D-Fraction has been proven effective when taken orally, whereas the others are only effective when injected. My mom’s doctor just reviewed this and said he sees no reason why she can’t take it and it might even help (Oncologist / ovarian cancer).

Also not everyone loses their hair with chemo, it depends on the drug being used and even then it varies for everyone.

Either way, don’t worry about it…it WILL grow back! I saw a humorous T-Shirt one day worn by a cancer patient that said “I’m Having a No Hair Day”.

Take it as your ‘helmet’ during your ‘battle’ with whatever cancer you have. Good luck!

Chemotherapy Hair Loss

The Causes of Hair Loss Are Extensive

While male pattern baldness might be the best-known of the causes of hair loss, this condition is far from being the only one. The reality is hair loss can be blamed on a host of different things, many of which are preventable and/or treatable.

When the exact causes of hair loss are known, taking the right steps to possibly remedy the situation can be much more feasible. Some of the more notable causes of thinning and balding include:

•Hormonal – Male hormones that are produced in an overabundance in both men and women can cause stereotypical pattern baldness. While the appearance may differ in women, the root cause tends to be the same.

•Diet – Dietary issues can be to blame for hair loss in both men and women. When the body isn’t well nourished, hair growth can be hampered or impeded all together.

•Stress – Major traumatic events and even built up stress over time can have an impact on hair retention and growth. Reducing stress or getting through trauma can assist in hair regrowth.

•Illness – Certain illnesses, such as anemia, can be pegged as the causes of hair loss in some people.

•Medications – There are a variety of medications that can contribute to or cause outright hair loss. Chemotherapy for cancer patients, for example, can lead to total body hair loss in a very short amount of time.

•Hairstyles – When their hair is pulled tight on a repetitive basis, hair loss can result. Women who wear tight pony tails often suffer from some magnitude of hair loss.

The causes of hair loss go well beyond hereditary male pattern conditions. When the exact cause is known, a cure or treatment can often be found. From herbal remedies to changes in lifestyle and habits, the options for growing hair again are not limited to medications and surgical replacement.