The hair loss product that works best is dependent on the type of hair loss a person is suffering. If hair loss is a result of pattern baldness, the choices are rather limited, especially for women. When hair loss is caused by another condition, the options expand slightly. However, anyone experiencing extensive hair loss should consult with a doctor or dermatologist. Not only is proper diagnosis essential in helping to determine which product is needed to care for the condition, but a prescription is often necessary to even start treatment.
Minoxidil
The American Hair Loss Association recommends minoxidil for both men and women suffering from pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. Available in either prescription or nonprescription strength, minoxidil is a topical medication that's applied directly to the scalp. It works best at slowing the progression of hair loss and may also help to stimulate hair growth. The American Hair Loss Association claims that minoxidil is more effective on women suffering from pattern baldness than men. Women tend to experience more retention and regrowth of hair. As of 2010, the 5 percent concentration of minoxidil is only available by prescription for men.
Finasteride
Both the Mayo Clinic and the American Hair Loss Association suggest using finasteride to treat male-pattern baldness. This is the second medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat androgenetic alopecia in men. Like minoxidil, finasteride slows the progression of hair loss, but it's much more effective in stimulating new hair growth. It works by "stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone," according to the Mayo Clinic. More commonly known as DHT, the hormone binds itself to the follicle, causing it to shrink in size. When DHT levels are lowered, men experience a slowing in hair loss and may notice new hair growth.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is another medication that may help treat female-pattern baldness, advises both the American Hair Loss Association and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This is largely due to the fact that the drug impedes the production of androgens, hormones released by the adrenal glands and ovaries, that have been linked to dihydrotestosterone binding itself to androgenetic receptors, which can prompt hair loss in women.
Cimetidine
Another medication that has shown some promise in treating female-pattern baldness is cimetidine, states the American Hair Loss Association. Currently used to treat digestive disorders, this prescription medication can slow the progression of hair loss as well as stimulate new growth when given in a higher dosage. Much like spironolactone, the FDA has yet to approve this medication to treat androgenetic alopecia in women. If it does receive an approval, it will not be prescribed for men, since the required dosage may cause adverse effects.
Oral Contraceptives
Women suffering from female-pattern baldness may also respond to oral contraceptives. The effects are similar to that of spironolactone, since oral contraceptives tend to reduce the production of androgens, according to the American Hair Loss Association. When fewer androgens are in the system, women may experience a slowing in the progression of hair loss and increase in new hair growth.
Anthralin
The Mayo Clinic claims that anthralin, a medication used to treat psoriasis, may stimulate hair growth in people suffering from alopecia areata, which is a temporary form of hair loss. The solution is applied directly to the scalp, much like minoxidil; however, it's typically washed off after application. The clinic also states that it can take upwards of 12 weeks to provide results.
Member Comments