Xtresse’ For Hair Loss: Who Likes Gummies?

Hair loss continues to be an issue for both the young and the old, both for males and females. One of the top three cosmetic issues for the male patient is, in fact, hair loss. The two most commonly diagnosed types of hair loss I treat in my practice are androgenetic alopecia, also termed male or female pattern baldness, and telogen effluvium. 

Androgenetic alopecia contains the underlying cause within its name—its genetic or inherited in nature. In males, androgenetic alopecia presents with recession of the frontal hairline and loss at the posterior vertex. As the male patient advances through the stages, the two areas generally meet and patients eventually can become totally bald through a process known as miniaturization of the hair follicles if left untreated. In females with the same condition, progression occurs differently with more widening of the hair part and retention of the frontal hairline until the latter stages.

Telogen effluvium is a temporary type of hair loss brought on by a stressful condition that causes the hair to be shocked in the follicle at the time of the stressor. Stressors can be emotional or mental, but can also be physical stressors such as surgery or the delivery of a baby. If the stress continues over time, it is possible for telogen effluvium to evolve into a more chronic issue. However, the rapid onset of shedding is actually the body’s regenerative response and indicates new hair pushing out the old, previously shocked dead hair within the follicle. 

When the suspicion is high for telogen effluvium, it is important to reassure, reassure, reassure the patient. Next, refer the patient to dermatology to ensure that the patient has been correctly diagnosed. Lastly, but most important, the patient should be encouraged to continue supportive care and good nutrition, including a supplement specifically designed for hair regrowth.

In the United States, nutritional supplement is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. What is placed on the bottle of a vitamin supplement, and what is actually bioavailable, are two completely different things. Thus, manufacturers must be vetted for product quality and efficacy by the provider who is recommending them. In addition, if you, as the provider are assuming the risk of carrying inventory within the practice, you want to be selective and carry a reputable product, and not one which can be found on any shelf at Tom, Dick and Harry’s Stop & Go. Or the local Walmart. This is what will differentiate you from the local medspa or wellness center down the street, and will keep your patients returning to you with smiles on their faces. 

I recommend Xtresse’ to my hair loss patients. It is a strawberry-flavored gummy supplement, formulated by leading hair restoration dermatologists which contains a proprietary X3 BioActive blend of all-natural ingredients including, but not limited to NAD+, pea sprouts, pumpkinseed extract, taurine and saw palmetto. Three of four patients prefer a gummy over a capsule or tablet. 95% of Xtresse’ Nutrient Gummy users were likely to recommend them. I tell my patients to expect thicker, healthier in three months. 

If you are a healthcare provider, check out Dr. Turner’s new website DrEllenTurner.com and sign up for her e-newsletter to receive tips, tricks and updates on injections, devices and life in this incredible but, sometimes overwhelming space we call aesthetic medicine. Look for training videos and podcasts this summer!