ISHRS

ISHRS 31st World Congress

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ISHRS 31st Annual World Congress 2023.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)’s 31th Annual World Congress. Delhi, India: November 1-4, 2023.

ISHRS 31st World Congress in Delhi, India

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)’s 31st Annual World Congress runs from November 1-November 4, 2023. The location is Delhi, India. I have covered these ISHRS meetings every year since this blog started in 2013. In the past, I have also analyzed the organization’s hair transplant statistics surveys.

Make sure to track #ISHRS on social media, and follow the ISHRS Twitter account and Instagram account. The website for this 31st Annual World Congress of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery has all the details.

The full program guide for this 31st World Congress is worth a browse. Of special note, the Norwood lecturer is the legendary Dr. George Cotsarelis from the University of Pennsylvania. Below is a rare recent interview with him on the ISHRS YouTube channel:

The Stough lecturer is Dr. Melissa Harris and she will talk about grey hair prevention and reversal plus hair aging. Her brief interview is here, where she says that grey hair reversal is a certainty in the future. She is a lecturer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Also of interest is Dr. Maria Kasper’s talk titled “Follicle Cell Types and their Origins.” Dr. Kasper’s Group is based at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

The main focus of these conferences is always on hair transplants,. However, as usual, there a large number of sessions of greater interest for us: including PRP; LLLT; exosomes; dutasteride mesotherapy; stem cells; SVF; Alma TED; and hair regeneration in general.

I will update this post with more information and updates in the next few days.

Finasteride, Minoxidil, Shedding

Finasteride and Minoxidil Shedding is Normal

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Hair Shedding Minoxidil Finasteride
Hair Shedding from Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two medications that are FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss.

Both work through different mechanisms of actions, and both can also cause unexpected temporary hair shedding episodes.

Finasteride and Minoxidil Hair Shedding

  1. Finasteride:
    • Mechanism of Action: Finasteride (Propecia brand name) is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is implicated in the miniaturization of hair follicles in individuals who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (AGA — aka male pattern baldness). Note that topical finasteride is also becoming very popular.
    • Hair Shedding: Some users may experience an initial increase in hair shedding during the first few months of finasteride treatment. This phenomenon (almost like telogen effluvium) is thought to occur as the drug affects the hair growth cycle.  In particular, the anagen growth phase is increased. Shedding is usually temporary, and most individuals observe regrowth and stabilization of hair loss after this initial phase.
  2. Minoxidil:
    • Mechanism of Action: Minoxidil (Rogaine brand name) is a topical medication that is applied directly to the scalp. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to promote blood flow to the hair follicles. This in turn prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, increasing follicle length and thickness. Higher strength doses of minoxidil 10% and 15% are also available with prescription. Note that oral minoxidil is also becoming very popular.
    • Hair Shedding: Similar to finasteride, some users may experience an initial increase in hair shedding when starting minoxidil treatment. This shed phase is temporary and is often considered a sign that the medication is beginning to take effect. It is followed by a period of regrowth and stabilization of hair loss.

Summary

  • Shedding with both finasteride and minoxidil is usually transient and is not an indication that the treatment is ineffective.
  • These medications require consistent and long-term use to realize their benefits. Do not get scared with the temporary increase in hair fall.
  • It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any hair loss treatment to determine the most suitable approach. And to address any potential side effects or contraindications.