The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. It results from a genetically inherited trait that makes the hair follicles susceptible to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT causes the follicles to shrink, which leads to hair loss. Both men and women are affected by this condition. This, however, isn't the only factor that contributes to excessive hair loss. Some people experience abnormal hair fall due to hormonal changes, medications and other medical conditions. Treatment options often depend on the reason for the loss.
Step 1
Talk to a dermatologist. Regardless of your gender, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the exact cause of excessive hair loss. A proper diagnosis helps lead you to the proper treatment.
Step 2
Use minoxidil. Minoxidil is a topical medication that can stop hair loss and encourage hair regrowth in some people, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's applied directly onto areas of the scalp suffering from hair loss twice a day. It is available over-the-counter (OTC) for both men and women, and for men in prescription strength.
Step 3
Start taking finasteride. Finasteride is a prescription medication taken by mouth each day to stop hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It impedes the production of DHT, affecting the actual cause of pattern baldness. Currently, it's only available for men.
Step 4
Scrub the scalp with a shampoo containing ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is effective in treating women who suffer from female-pattern baldness, advises the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). The medication inhibits the production of testosterone, which is linked to DHT and can help stop hair loss. It's often used in combination with other forms of treatment.
Step 5
Take cimetidine. Although this medication is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, the AHLA claims it may also help to stop hair loss in women. It prevents DHT from binding with the follicles along the scalp. A dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate dosage for best results.
Step 6
Get a prescription for spironolactone. Spironolactone works a lot like cimetidine in women suffering from female-pattern baldness. The medication keeps DHT from binding to the hair follicles of the scalp.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider trying anthralin, recommends the Mayo Clinic. This topical medication isn't much help for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia, but can encourage hair regrowth for those suffering from alopecia areata, another form of hair loss. For women suffering from hair loss as a result of hormones, you may see an improvement in your condition through the use of either oral contraceptives or hormone replacement medications. These products basically balance hormone levels, so that the cause of the hair loss is eliminated from the system. Corticosteroids may also encourage hair growth in peoples suffering from alopecia areata.
Things You'll Need
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
- Ketoconazole shampoo
- Cimetidine
- Spironolactone
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