I cannot mention them by name because every time I do I am presented with a ‘shut your mouth’ demand from their lawyers….
HOWEVER a multinational hair loss company has really begun to plumb the depths of predatory sales opportunism by offering Genetic Testing for pre-pubescent boys of “any age” to determine if they’ll experience hair loss (male androgenic alopecia)…
So what’s the problem you ask…? …Isn’t this a good idea….?
First off - the ‘Hair Loss Consultant’ I had an over-the-phone conversation with had no idea what he was talking about. He was obviously keen for a sale + happy to chat - but it was rather obvious he was delivering a rehearsed presentation. His actual knowledge of androgenic alopecia + genetic testing was very limited…
Quote: “Male hair loss is a build-up of Testosterone which mixes in the body with 5-Alpha …boys can get it from their Mother or Father or ‘come out’ after FIVE generations….”*
Fact: In genetically-pre-disposed males - a percentage of the main male hormone Testosterone (TT) is converted to a more potent androgen (male hormones are known as androgens) - Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase (5-AR).
The onset of male androgenic thinning is determined by genetics, normal levels of male hormone and is part of the same hormonal changes that gives post-pubescent males their facial & body hair, muscle bulk, & deepening voice.
And whilst no young male wants to be losing his hair in his late teens or early 20’ - statistics suggest it’s more common for mature-age males to exhibit some degree of androgenic alopecia than not.
Dawber & Van Neste (2004) suggests 100% of young males will show some changes in the shape of their hairline (termed recession) following puberty - this does not always indicate the onset of androgenic alopecia.
This loquacious young salesman informed me the Genetic Test is like “an EARTHQUAKE meter for hair loss” in “anyone” who has yet to experience hair thinning….a “saliva swab inside both cheeks” which is then sent to “the States” –United States presumably not the Gulf States (+why not our specialist laboratories here?) – where their “Lab guy” –one man operation apparently - will report back to concerned parents on “how bad” their child’s potential risk is…”guaranteed 95% accurate…$395.00”.
The ‘Consultant’ stated the company could then plan a “treatment program” the child is likely to need to keep their hair…
Some Points for Parents to consider:
- Would any parent really want to put that stress on their child or teenager before the child emerges from puberty?
- Exhibiting male androgenic thinning post-puberty will still occur regardless; the approved treatment/s would be precisely the same whether genetically ‘pre-warned’ or not.
- Successfully stabilising genetic thinning in young males is quite straightforward with today’s approved pharmacy treatments – at significantly less expense than signing up with these companies.
- OR I might have it WRONG…this company might be intending to suggest the prescription drugs Finesteride (Propecia) or Minoxidil topical lotion or ‘laser’ to primary school boys or even pre-schoolers as a pre-emptive measure….??? The salesman did say it was for “anyone…any age”….
- Is there no conflict of interest here for the retired sports legend who’s paid big $$$$ to promote this company? He does have a Foundation for sick children in his name….
- Even if this is a legitimate test - would you want your genetic test results interpreted + ‘treatment planning’ undertaken by a sales consultant? I strongly suggest consumers consult their family Doctor or other medically-qualified Professional who specialises in hair loss problems.
*” is word-for-word quotes from the ‘Consultant’…