According to drugs.com, hair loss affects 80 million people in the United States. Hair loss is misconceived as a condition that solely affects middle-aged and elderly people. Although age makes you more susceptible to hair loss, this condition can occur at any age. The age at which you start to lose hair is often determined by heredity. Preventive medications work to stop hair loss while stimulating new hair growth.
Causes
Hair loss is attributed to the inability of your hair follicles to grow new hair. Drugs.com reports that the most common cause of premature hair loss is family genes. If one of your parents suffered from hair loss, you are at a greater risk of premature hair loss. An immune disorder called alopecia areata causes sporadic baldness. Other causes of hair loss include thyroid disorders, stress, radiation therapy and excessive hair care through washing, coloring, brushing and blow-drying.
Types
Hair loss medications are available over-the-counter and by prescription in the form of topical liquids and oral tablets. Rogaine is a non-prescription liquid, formally known as Minoxidil. Anthralin is a prescription cream that is stronger than Minoxidil. Avodart and Propecia are two types of oral medications for the prevention of hair loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may even inject corticosteroids directly into your scalp to stop hair loss.
Effects
Both Minoxidil and Anthralin can be used on bald patches caused by alopecia areata. These topical medications stimulate the hair follicles to grow hair again. The Mayo Clinic explains, however, that you may find the new hair to be thinner. Propecia is recommended for male hair loss and works by preventing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone production attributed to hair loss.
Indications
Anthralin is applied to your scalp once a day and you wash it off in the shower. The Mayo Clinic reports that this foam works after three months of usage. Rogaine is applied to the scalp twice a day and you do not need to wash it out after usage. When using Rogaine, you can expect results in three months. Oral medications like Propecia are taken once a day. According to the Mayo Clinic, these types of medications may not show any effects for months.
Considerations
Although medications can help prevent you from losing more hair, there is no cure for hair loss. Talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options. Topical medications can cause scalp irritation. The Mayo Clinic advises that pregnant women take extra precautions, as some hair loss prevention medications such as Avodart and Propecia can cause birth defects, particularly to male fetuses. If medications fail to promote hair growth in a case of severe baldness, consider a hair transplant.
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