Alopecia is defined as hair loss. But there are a number of different forms of alopecia. The most prevalent is androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, affecting approximately 95 percent of people experiencing hair loss, explains the National Institutes of Health. Other forms of alopecia include alopecia areata, cicatricial alopecia and traction alopecia. The type of alopecia and your gender often dictates the treatment that can encourage hair regrowth.
Androgenetic Alopecia
With androgenetic alopecia, there are two medications that can stimulate hair regrowth. Minoxidil is a topical solution available for both men and women. It's available in two different concentrations. The over-the-counter version is a 2 percent concentration, while its prescription counterpart comes in a 5 percent concentration. It helps to slow hair loss and can encourage regrowth in some people. The second medication is finasteride. As of 2010, finasteride is only available for men. It works by combating the direct cause of hair loss, which is dihydrotestosterone, known as DHT, an androgen that binds to the follicle and cause its miniaturization.
Time Frame
With minoxidil, it can take upward of three to six months to provide results. If you don't see a reduction in hair loss by then, it's best to cease use. Finasteride can take just as long to stimulate regrowth. It's far more effective than minoxidil to combat androgenetic alopecia, causing 65 percent of trial participants to experience substantial hair regrowth, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
Other Treatments
While finasteride and minoxidil are scientifically proven to treat pattern baldness, there are other medications that may be beneficial, especially when it comes to hair loss in women. Some women experience hair regrowth from medications like spironolactone, cimetidine and even birth control pills. Their efficacy is tied to their effect on androgens, which are male sex hormones. By taking these medications, women can lower androgen levels, reducing the production of DHT, notes the American Hair Loss Association.
Alopecia Areata
People experiencing hair loss as a result of alopecia areata can stimulate hair regrowth with corticosteroid injections or anthralin administration, advises MayoClinic.com. The American Academy of Dermatology also includes light therapy as another treatment that can encourage the regrowth of hair. Discuss your options with a doctor or dermatologist. It can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to see regrowth.
Cicatricial Alopecia
MayoClinic.com characterizes cicatricial alopecia as a permanent form of hair loss. It's caused by inflammation and subsequent scarring of the scalp and hair follicles. Because of the scar tissue, there really isn't any medication or procedure to stimulate hair regrowth.
Traction Alopecia
This form of hair loss is a result of stress placed on the follicles. It stems from tightly pulled hairstyles. To encourage regrowth, you don't need to do anything more than remove the stress or tension on the hair follicles, according to MayoClinic.com.
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