Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss treatments have been marketed in every way possible giving this promise and that miracle.  This has been a source of confusion as well for those who suffer hair loss.  There is an association that has done a lot of research for those who suffer hair loss and that is the American Hair Loss Association.  

They have brought attention that those who do suffer from hair loss are very vulnerable and can be taken advantage of as many people are in any area of distress or need.  It doesn’t need to pertain to hair loss; it could be someone suffering from migraines.  But the point that I am trying to make is that there are many companies that will take advantage and prey upon those that are seeking help and willing to do whatever it takes to get it.  

There has been a lot of progress in hair loss treatments as well.  We want to focus on the treatments that actually work.  In the medical field, there has been some great research and studies done.  The latest one being the discovery of 5-a-reductase inhibitors.  This is in medications such as Propecia.  There has been hair restoration done by surgery where you can’t even tell there ever was a problem with baldness.  

There are some drugs Proscar and Propecia Finasteride that were originally made by Merck to treat the prostate glands.  The side effect that was seen during the trials was hair growth.  Since finasteride was already a FDA approved product, Merck decided to pursue it as the first pill for male pattern baldness.  On Dec 22, 1997, it was approved.  This medication is Propecia and the first hair loss treatment drug ever to effectively treat male pattern baldness.  

Minoxidil was the first treatment for male pattern baldness, to be approved by the FDA.  This is the generic drug that makes up Rogaine.  Minoxidil at first was in a pill form and was used to treat high blood pressure. Then like finasteride, a side effect was observed.  Those that were on the medication, started to grow hair in odd places, like on the backs of their hands, or their foreheads.  Researchers then studied its use on the head, wondering if hair would grow on the balding scalp.  They were thrilled when they saw it worked.  The results though are temporary and do not have long-term results.  

Women on the other hand are in a different situation when it comes to drug treatments.  Women and female pattern baldness are more related to hormones and doctors do not want to experiment with drugs that can affect your entire system.  Doctors are more prone to use topical treatments for safety reasons, which are applied right on the scalp.

The best time to start a hair loss treatment is when you first notice hair loss.  The use of anti-androgens will help prevent further hair loss and encourage some hair regrowth.  Also maintain your vitamin and mineral intake as this will help while you are on this type of topical medication.  

There is only one hair loss treatment that has been approved for women by the FDA.  That is Minoxidil 2% topical treatment.  This treatment has actually been seen to work better for women than it does for men.  Any of these treatments should be reviewed with your doctor.