Androgel is a topical treatment for men who want to raise their testosterone levels. It is prescribed for males with low or no testosterone to get their hormones back in normal ranges. The formula is rubbed onto the skin in lieu a weekly or bi-weekly injection of synthetic testosterone. According to Androgel.com, it is the top-selling testosterone replacement therapy on the market with over 12 million users. Anytime you increase your testosterone level, whether naturally or supplementing with synthetic hormones, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels are also increased. According to the American Hair Loss Association, DHT is responsible for 95 percent of cases of men's hair loss.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved hair loss solution that is specifically prescribed for the treatment of male pattern baldness. According to Drugs.com, Androgel converts to DHT via the 5-alpha reductase, just like your natural testosterone. Since finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase according to Omnimedicalsearch.com it will effectively treat of hair loss caused by androgel.
Omnimedicalsearch reports that finasteride regrew hair in two out of three men who used it for five years. Also, 90 percent of men either maintained their initial hair count and showed no further loss or experienced new hair growth. The American Hair Loss Association recommends finasteride as the "first line of attack" for men treating their hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is another FDA-approved topical treatment that will be effective against hair loss that is caused by androgel. According to Bernsteinmedical.com, homepage of hair restoration physician and senior member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS), Dr. Robert Bernstein, minoxidil helps combat DHT-related hair loss by increasing the growing phase of the hair cycle for follicles that would otherwise prematurely shed. While it does not directly block DHT, it can promote hair growth by increasing cutaneous blood flow to the scalp which is decreased by DHT-related androgenic alopecia according to HairSite. It should be applied to areas of thinning hair at least once every day.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
While most shampoos do little or nothing for hair loss, ketoconazole based shampoo can help treat androgenic alopecia caused by androgel. In a Belgian study at the University of Liège, published in the Journal of Dermatology entitled "Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia," researchers found that ketoconazole shampoo was as effective at treating hair loss as 2 percent minoxidil. Scientists concluded that it could be effective at treating 5-alpha DHT androgenic hair loss. Ketoconazole is available over-the-counter in most grocery stores as Nizoral shampoo.
References
- American Hair Loss Association: Men's Hair Loss / Causes of Hair Loss
- American Hair Loss Association: Men's Hair Loss / Treatment
- Omnimedicalsearch: Finasteride (Propecia) for Hair Loss
- HairSite: Rogaine
- PubMed; Dermatology; Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia; 1998
- Androgenic Alopecia: Ketoconazole Shampoo as a Treatment For Pattern Hair Loss
Member Comments