What's the best solution for hair loss?

THE two most commonly known medications for slowing down balding are Minoxidil lotion (Regaine or Rogaine), drops of which are rubbed into the scalp twice daily and Finasteride tablets (trade name Propecia), which are taken once daily.

The lotion can be purchased over the counter but the tablets require a script. Both only work as long as you remain on the treatment - if you stop treatment hair loss recommences.

With Minoxidil drops, patients may experience a retardation or even complete cessation of hair loss and may get a regrowth of downy-looking hair (often described as "peach fuzz") after about six months. The drops are not recommended for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women and patients should consult their doctor before use if they are taking any other medications - especially anti-hypertensives (for high blood pressure).

Finasteride tablets arrest further hair loss in around 90 per cent of men. For about two thirds of men there may be partial regrowth. This may take anything from six months to two years to appear. Finasteride is not recommended for women.

For women with male pattern balding, there are two other medicines available: spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. These are not suitable for men. Spironolactone was originally used as a treatment for high blood pressure and fluid retention but is also known to have anti-androgenic effects and can be used to treat women with oily skin, acne, excess facial and body hair as well as scalp hair loss. It is sometimes recommended for women with polycystic ovary syndrome who suffer such symptoms.

Cyproterone acetate is an anti-androgen as well as a weak progestogen which is used as a component of certain oral contraceptive pills (the most well known being Diane 35 ED). It also comes as a preparation on its own which is often prescribed in combination with the pill for women with acne, excess facial or body hair and scalp hair loss. It is another option for women with polycystic ovary syndrome who suffer these symptoms.

As with all medications, these drugs have potential side effects and adverse effects.

They require a prescription from your doctor who can take you through all the pros and cons of each option.

Home Search Q & A Board Gallery Resource Library Blog Dictionary Chat	Quick Links Start a Topic Latest Topics Unanswered Questions Courses Study Tools Browse by Textbook	Social Facebook YouTube Community Stats Who's Online Trending Staff	Help About Us Take the Tour Study Tips Posting Guidelines Terms and Policies Contact Us
Biology Forums - Study Force © 2010-2024 \| Powered by SMF \| SMF © 2015, Simple Machines \| Sitemap Biology-Forums.com is not affiliated with any publisher. Book covers, title and author names appear for reference only.

What's the best solution for hair loss?

Related Topics