Medical treatment plays an important role in stopping and treating the hair loss. It is more beneficial to start medical treatment in the early stages of hair loss. Androgenetic hair loss is the most common type of hair loss in men. In this type of hair loss follicles shrink (miniaturize) with time, an effect caused by the DHT hormone. The hair loss in both men and women appears in a pattern; some follicles are susceptible to the effects of miniaturization, while the follicles at the back and sides are more stable. Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) are FDA approved drugs for treating androgenetic hair loss. Finasteride acts by blocking the transformation of testesterone hormone to Dihidrotestesterone. Finasteride or Propecia reduces hair loss by inhibiting the production of DHT, thereby delaying hair loss. Finasteride is not effective in treating hair loss in women. Minoxidil directly stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil or Rogaine boosts hair growth by improving blood flow hence nourishing the hair follicles. Minoxidil improves hair growth in both men and women. Finasteride is more effective than Minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss. Both drugs should be used for at least 6 months to be able to see their effect.
Some of the currently used hair loss treatment medication;
- Finasteride Propecia tablets
- Minoxidil solution
- Dutasteride
- Aldactone
- Oral contraceptives
- PRP treatment
- Bimoprost (latisse)