The Best Hair Loss Treatments
It can be frustrating and discouraging to find hair loss treatments that work, but there are some you can trust. The effectiveness of these treatments will depend on your hair loss and whether they are complemented with appropriate supplements and products.
FDA Approved Treatments for Hair Loss
There are many hair loss treatments out there that claim to be the best, but only three have been approved by FDA. They have been subject to extensive scientific and clinical testing to ensure their safety.
Propecia
It is the most effective treatment for male hairloss and has been repeatedly proven to be successful. These results were found in studies of males aged 18-41 who had mild to moderate hair loss.
- Propecia was taken by 2/3 men. Hair count is a measure of how many hairs they regrew.
- The 5-year study concluded that all men who received the placebo had lost their hair.
- The difference between the two groups grew over the 5-year period. Propecia saw the greatest increase in hair count in the first two years of the study.
- The average difference in hair growth between Propecia-treated men and those who received a placebo was 277 per cent at the test spot (1-inch circle above the head).
Propecia is usually used for six months to see visible results. However, some men may notice improvements in three months.
Propecia works best when it is taken immediately after signs of male pattern hair loss are apparent. A five-year study showed that Propecia was more effective than a placebo in treating hair loss. However, those who switched to Propecia after one year were not as successful as those who had been on Propecia for 5 years.
Male pattern hair loss is an ongoing condition. If you stop taking Propecia, your hair will likely fall out. This allows the condition to progress. The genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone causes male pattern hair loss. This hormone shrinks hair follicles in those with predisposed genes. Thinning hair is the first sign of DHT sensitivity. If left untreated, it can cause baldness. Propecia reduces DHT production on the scalp, helps regrow visible hair and reduces hair loss. However, there is no evidence Propecia can be used to treat receding hairlines at temples.
Propecia should be combined with other proven treatments for optimal results. It is also recommended that prescription medication is closely monitored by a specialist. For more details check bariatric surgery hair loss
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, a topical hair-restoration agent, has been approved by FDA since 1988. Minoxidil can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, results will vary from one person to another for many reasons. Minoxidil comes in many strengths, some with additional anti-androgens.
There were two studies that examined the effects of minoxidil, 5% solution on male-pattern hair loss. The strongest concentration was 12.5%.
- The 5% solution is very effective in 15.9% patients, effective in 47.8%, moderately efficient in 20.6%, and ineffective for 15.7%
- The areas of hair loss on the scalp decreased by 67.3% in men. This was unchanged at 31.9%, and increased by 0.8%
- The mean hair loss during washing was a measly 69.7 at the start of the study and 33.8 at the conclusion of the study.
- The hair density of men improved by 74.2%, remained the same by 24.3% and declined by 1.5%
- The first time minoxidil treatment was noticed in men, a report from 13.9%, 52.3% and 33.8%, respectively, was the first month.
Side effects
Like many prescription drugs, Propecia or minoxidil can cause side effect but they are rare (under 2% for Propecia and 4% for Minoxidil). They are usually mild and have no long-term side effects.
1.8% of participants experienced side effects from Propecia. These include rash, itching and swelling of the lips, face and lips, as well as problems with ejaculation and breast tenderness.
3.9% of Minoxidil's side effects were dermatologic. These side effects included mild facial hair growth, headaches and rashes, as well as palpitations. They did not require medical treatment.
Side effects of both medications have a short half-life, meaning that they disappear quickly after stopping use. There are no side effects that can last for a long time.
