Androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, is the most common form of permanent hair loss. It affects about one-third of men and women, according to the Mayo Clinic. In men, the condition is identified by a receding hairline and balding at the crown. Female-pattern baldness is characterized by overall thinning. Although there is no true cure for hair loss, minoxidil and finasteride are two Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs used to temporarily counteract the symptoms of androgenic alopecia.
Basics
Hair grows in a two-part cycle. Anagen, the growing phase, lasts roughly two to three years. It is followed by telogen, the resting phase. During telogen, hair rests in the follicle for three to four months before falling and making way for new growth. In androgenic alopecia, anagen shortens, explains the Mayo Clinic. With each passing cycle, individual strands of hair become thinner and weaker and fall out more easily.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical over-the-counter hair-loss treatment. It staves off hair loss while stimulating new growth. In a 1987 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of minoxidil, investigators reported that after one year of minoxidil use, 89 of the 102 participants experienced visible growth. In 1999, the University of Bologna Department of Dermatology reported that minoxidil alleviated mild to moderate androgenic alopecia in men and produced "good results" in women.
According to Drugs.com, minoxidil's exact function is not known, but it may dilate blood vessels in the scalp, thus improving hair follicle function. Minoxidil is available 2 percent and 5 percent concentrations. Both men and women can use this medication. But products containing 5 percent minoxidil are intended for men. The treatment, available as a foam or topical solution, is typically used twice a day--once in the morning and once at night.
Finasteride
Finasteride, is a prescription drug that slows hair loss and promotes regrowth in some men. During a two-year study published in the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology," 66 percent of those who took finasteride reported encouraging results.
Finasteride treats hair loss on the top of the head but not at the hairline. It prevents the production of dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of testosterone. DHT influences male-pattern baldness by shrinking hair follicles, explains the Mayo Clinic. Finasteride is sold as a once-a-day pill and cannot be used by women.
Effects
Minoxidil can take as long as four months to show improvement, according to Drugs.com. New hair is typically soft and colorless, though color and thickness sometimes improve with regular treatment. Like minoxidil, finasteride can take several months show improvement, says the Mayo Clinic. Both treatments produce temporary results. Stopping either will result in a reversal.
Side Effects and Warnings
When using minoxidil, consult a medical professional if you experience itching, redness and scalp flakiness. If symptoms include hives, swelling, chest pain or dizziness, stop using the product immediately and get medical help. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctors before using minoxidil, according to Drugs.com.
Side effects of finasteride can include dizziness, weakness, impotence and skin rash. Seek emergency assistance if side effects include hives, difficult breathing or swelling of the face and throat. Finasteride should not be taken by women. In addition, pregnant women should avoid any contact with crushed or broken tablets.
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