International Society of Hair Restoration Acknowledges PFS

General Discussion Media & Awareness
#1

I recently came across some information related to the ISHRS’ 2013 annual meeting held in San Francisco. According to their website, the ISHRS is:

… the international, medical society comprised of over 1,000 members representing over 60 countries – as a voluntary organization to advance the art and science of hair restoration. The ISHRS provides continuing medical education to licensed, experienced physicians specializing in hair loss and restoration surgery and encourages the free interchange of ideas, knowledge and experience among its members. It also serves as a resource for the public on the latest medical and surgical hair restoration treatments for hair loss.

In the attached meeting brochure, you’ll see the Society dedicated a session to PFS (yes, they actually refer to it by name). Dr. Wayne Hellstrom, Professor of Urology and Chief of Andrology at Tulane University School of Medicine presented a “Urologist’s Perspective” on PFS. I since contacted Dr. Hellstrom’s office to request his presentation materials, and surprisingly, someone sent me back a PDF of his review. It appears much of the Review is just a summary of findings from published literature (i.e. PubMed) from 1992 to 2012 detailing Adverse Effects associated with 5ARI use

While the attached materials may not contain anything we don’t already know, it’s significant that this Society includes it in their discussions. Since many hair restoration physicians prescribe Finasteride, they also stand to make money off of their patients, if not payouts from endorsing the drug. Therefore, just having awareness among this community is important.

If nothing else, perhaps this Dr. Hellstrom is another ally in the research and possible treatment for PFS.
Hlstrm 5AR Review.pdf (259 KB)
ishrs 2013 mtg san_fran.pdf (6.49 MB)

#2

Agreed. This is a huge step forward in awareness within the medical community.

Thanks for the links.

#3

Here’s the doctor who headed up the PFS panel:

Dr. Wayne J.G. Hellstrom
Professor; Chief, Section of Andrology
Department of Urology
Tulane University School of Medicine
whellst@tulane.edu

Please email him and offer to tell your own horror story.

#4

This is an interesting development if they know its real then they have an obligation to warn their patients about the possible life changing side effects of Finasteride.

#5

Perhaps. On the other hand, they could just be doing it for show – like, “See, we acknowledge PFS. But our ‘experts’ haven’t cited any scientific evidence that demonstrates it’s real.”

Time will tell.

#6

I’m somewhat skeptical also, but I have to believe their consideration of PFS is legit. It’s telling that a hair restoration society includes a Urologist on their panel to present his view of PFS. I guess we’ll see how they respond to the Harvard and Baylor studies, once they are published.

#7

“I guess we’ll see how they respond to the Harvard and Baylor studies, once they are published.”

My thoughts exactly.

This whole thing is like a political election: As Election Day approaches, more and more people start publicly siding with the candidate who seems most likely to win.

So much of the (valid) medical community is now watching and waiting, with few wanting to be remembered as having denied the existence of PFS while defending the safety of finasteride.

And certainly not when finasteride takes its place in the Infamous Medication Hall of Fame alongside the likes of thalidomide.

#8

Another factor to bear in mind is that the International Society of Hair Restoration are in the pockets of merck.

What ever their motivation for appearing to acknowledge PFS they are going to look very foolish when the studies come out.

Hopefully these studies will send shock waves across the hair loss industry.