Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can affect both men and women. There are three types of alopecia: Male-pattern baldness, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. The most common form is male-pattern baldness, which, despite its name, can affect postmenopausal women too. Hair loss is often linked to aging, but may also be caused by stress and illness. When hair loss is caused by an illness or an underlying health problem, treating the illness often resolves hair loss problems; nevertheless, there are several hair-loss treatments available.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor indicated for male pattern baldness. It works by stopping testosterone being converted to dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing hair loss. According to MayoClinic.com, finasteride can slow hair loss and may promote new hair growth. Finasteride can take several months to have an effect and its benefits subside once treatment ceases. It may have a negative effect on sex drive, though MayoClinic.com notes this effect is rare.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a hair loss treatment suitable for both men and women. It is an over-the-counter topical solution which is rubbed in the scalp. It is available in three strengths; a pharmacist should help advise a patient on the most appropriate strength. According to RxList.com, although Minoxidil can promote new hair growth, it is more effective in preventing further hair loss. Minoxidil has few side effects; however, it needs to be applied once or twice daily, which some people may find tedious. In addition, it is usually only effective for hair loss on the crown.
Steroids
Steroid injections may be prescribed for the treatment of alopecia areata. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, steroid injections are most helpful for small bald patches. Steroids are injected into the scalp to stop the immune system from destroying hair follicles and causing hair loss. Steroid injections promote new hair growth after about four weeks. Steroid creams and pills are also available, but NHS Choices notes their long-term effects are unknown. In addition, long-term use of steroid pills may be associated with stomach ulcers and diabetes.
Anthralin
Anthralin is a psoriasis drug, but a doctor may prescribe it off-label as a hair loss treatment. It is a tar-like substance that is applied directly to the scalp and then washed off. Anthralin is a synthetic version of a naturally occuring substance found in the araroba tree, says RxList.com. According to MayoClinic.com, anthralin may stimulate hair growth in patients with alopecia areata; however, new hair growth can take up to 12 weeks to appear.
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