Propecia, the brand name for the drug finasteride, and hair vitamins can help with specific types of hair loss. Propecia is designed to be taken by those with androgenic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness. Hair vitamins may help with hair loss if a vitamin deficiency is present. At the very least, vitamins good for the hair will provide a healthy environment, giving hair the best chance to grow.
What is Propecia?
Finasteride tablets come in two different strengths. There is a 5mg tablet marketed towards men with enlarged prostates called Proscar, while 1mg tablets of finasteride are marketed as Propecia and aimed at men suffering from hair loss. Both enlarged prostates and male pattern hair loss are treated by blocking the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, often called DHT. DHT will shorten the growth phase of the hair and cause hair follicles to shrink until they are unable to produce visible hair. Propecia is available only by prescription and is not available for women.
Propecia Results
Merck performed a five-year study on Propecia and presented its findings at the 59th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Merck stated that 90 percent of the men taking Propecia over the five-year period had no more visible hair loss and that 65 percent of men maintained or increased their hair count.
Other studies have verified Propecia's effectiveness, although not to the same degree as the company-backed study. One study that appeared in the July-August 2004 issue of the "European Journal of Dermatology" concluded that 58 percent of the patients suffering from male pattern hair loss showed improvement after taking Propecia for 48 weeks.
Biotin
One of the most important vitamins you can take for your hair is vitamin H, which is biotin. Biotin is part of the B-complex vitamins that turn carbohydrates into glucose, which is used for energy. Biotin is needed for healthy skin, hair and nails and may show some usefulness as a treatment for hair loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin has been used in combination with zinc and topical clobetasol propionate as a treatment for hair loss in adults and children.
Other Vitamins
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a multivitamin containing the B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C and E for those suffering from hair disorders, including hair loss. Many multivitamins will also contain minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and zinc, which are also recommended by the UMMC.
Taking the correct vitamins is important, but getting the proper amounts is equally vital. An abundance of vitamin A can cause hair to fall out until the excess amount is eliminated. Hair should then return to its normal growth rate.
References
- Univeristy of Maryland Meidcal Center: Hair Disorders
- "European Journal of Dermatology"; Finasteride in the treatment of Japanese men with male pattern hair loss; M Kawashima, et al,; July-August 2004
- Bernstein Medical Center For Hair Restoration: Propecia (Finasteride)
- Aging Skin Net: What Causes Hair Loss?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
- International Society of Hair Resoration Surgery: Five-Year Propecia (Finasteride) Study
Member Comments