Hair Loss Treatment
Hair loss treatment varies according to the type of hair loss. The doctor may change the medicine you are using if the latter is the cause of you losing your hair. Then again if the causes are infections or hormonal imbalances, these have to be identified and treated to prevent further damage.Proper medicines give hope to those suffering from the ordinary or common kind of baldness.
One such is minoxidil (brand name is rogaine). This does not need a prescription and is available easily over the counter. It is locally applied to the affected scalp. Another such medicine is finasteride (brand name propecia). It is available in the form of tablets and is for men only. It requires a prescription. One must wait for about six months to know if either of these medicines are working or not.
If the loss of your hair is stubborn and does not respond to medical treatment then the suggestion is that you should think of changing your hairstyle, using wigs, switches or go in for hear weaves or artificial replacement of hair.Today there are only two drugs that claim to stop and also reverse the process of baldness in men. The drugs have been tested and proved. These are propecia (consisting of the active ingredient of finasteride) and rogaine (consisting of the active ingredient of minoxidil).
Before looking at the result two factors must be taken into consideration. It varies from person to person. Secondly it depends on a large degree to the amount of hair loss suffered previous to the onset of treatment. If you already look like Kojak or Yul Bryner then there is no hope for you from these medicines. You should go for a hair piece or transplant. These are the only choices left before you.On the other hand if the loss of your hair is not too harsh then either of the medicines might be able to help. But do not let your hopes go beyond reality. Each drug has its advantages and disadvantages. You might prefer to take a pill. Another person might go for the lotion. These have different methods of working. If one does not improve your condition then you may try the other.
PROPECIA (FINASTERIDE)
The active ingredient of propecia is finasteride. It was in the beginning developed to help in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlargement of the prostate. Later it came to be used for the treatment of male baldness because it was found to restrict the hormone responsible for it. This oral medicine can be had only on a doctor’s prescription. Studies have shown it is clinically effective in treating male hair loss in many cases. In 80% of males it has stopped further hair loss. In two thirds of those undergoing treatment there has been a reversal in the process of hair loss. Thus things have improved. For further information see our case studies. It should be borne in mind that propecia is not a permanent cure for male baldness. It has to be continuously taken. Otherwise the growing of hair will be affected. If the medicine is discontinued then the hair that has grown will be lost within the span of a year’s time.Side-EffectsAbout 2% of the men being treated tend to lose their libido. Sexual dysfunction is noted in about 1%. These are two of the known side-effects. But these effects disappear as soon as the patient stops taking the drugs. Sometimes and often even during the course of the treatment these negative side-effects disappear slowly.
One should not forget the fact that the treatment with propecia is long drawn out. In a short period nothing harmful has been noticed. But some researchers are skeptical about the unknown factor - that is about the safety of using the drug for a long period of time.
Two recent research projects show that finasteride used over a long period of time (7 to 10 years) to treat enlarged prostate has been well tolerated. No negative comments have been noted. This is indeed hopeful - especially for those men who will need to take this drug for a longer period of time. However further research on these lines is a must.
Further it should be noted that propecia has the possibility of affecting the accuracy of the PSA cancer screening test. At the time of test it is necessary to inform the doctor that you are taking this drug.
Is it suitable for Women? No it is not. Moreover pregnant women must not touch damaged pills with hands that are moist. The drug may be absorbed through the skin and damage any male foetus.
ROGAINE (MINOXIDIL)
It was originally used orally for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is applied on the head to treat male baldness. No prescription is required. There are two formulations - regular and extra strong with 2% and 5% of the active ingredient - minoxidil, respectively. It is advised to rub it into the dry scalp 1 milliliter two times a day. About one third of those men being treated with regular strength of rogaine will experience a minimum re-growth of hair, while for about 80% the amount of hair loss will be far less than previous. Those using the extra strength formulation of rogaine have noticed a spurt of hair growth during a short time. But during a long period, on an average, the rate of growth has been the same. Thus there is not much long term difference between the two as regards results. It takes about 6 months to a year to notice the effects. Like propecia, rogaine too has to used continuously. Otherwise within 6 months all the new hair that has grown will fall off.
Side-Effects
No side effect of importance has been noticed with rogaine. There is the possibility that 2% may suffer from dry scalp itching or become infected with dermatitis while they are on the regular strength. About 6% use the extra strength. The lotion is supposed to be safe because minoxidil does not directly enter the blood system to a significant extent. A study conducted over a period of five years has come to the same conclusion about its safety.
There are few women who suffer from the same type of baldness as men. Rogaine is said to be good for them - it being safe and effective.
