THE CURE FOR HAIR LOSS – THE CURE AGAINST BALDNESS

Although a “cure” for excellence that will resolve the problem does not exist, to date we have valid pharmacological treatments that allow to stabilize hair loss fall and in some cases also to promote hair regrowth if the hair follicles are not in the last stage of miniaturization.

The medication can be used alone or as part of a strategic plan to combat the fall, that may include hair transplant surgery.

Medical therapy (hair loss treatment) works well in combination with surgery because the goals are different, the treatment cures for hair loss are used in fact to prevent the future fall, while the surgery is used to regain the hair that you have lost. Unlike drugs, the transplanted hair will not prevent the advance of baldness, but it is the only treatment that can recover your hair in a totally bald area.

Only two drugs have been approved by the FDA and the Ministry of Health for the treatment of androgenetic-type baldness. One is Propecia (which contains 1 mg of finasteride) and the other is Rogaine (which contains minoxidil). Other drugs are used for the treatment of baldness, but their use is considered “off-label” (the medication is being used in a manner not specified in the FDA’s approved packaging label, or insert).

Propecia (finasteride) is a DHT inhibitor and is especially useful to reverse the process of androgenetic alopecia miniaturization, especially in the early stages. To buy Propecia (or other medications containing finasteride) a prescription is required. The drug is now available in tablets of 5 mg that can be divided into four parts of 1.25 mg each using a pill cutter.

Rogaine (Minoxidil) directly stimulates hair growth but is significantly less effective than finasteride when used alone. The best results are reached by the combined use along with Propecia. Minoxidil is also available in generic form and may not necessary need a doctor’s prescription.

Hair loss cures – Are they effective?

It has been observed that in more than 1/3 of patients the combined use of finasteride and minoxidil can produce a significant hair regrowth. In over 90% of patients these drugs can slow down and stabilize hair fall.

Hair loss cures – Are they approved by the FDA?

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both finasteride and minoxidil for use in the crown (tonsure) a misconception has spread that these drugs only work in the back area of the scalp. The reality is that both Propecia Minoxidil work well both in the front and in the top of the scalp. This is logical since the process that causes hair fall is exactly the same in all areas of the scalp. Both drugs enhance the caliber of miniaturized hair, but are not able to regrow hair in completely bald areas.

Considering that in the area of crown the process of miniaturization is slower than that in the frontal area of the scalp, there is a greater period of time for the drug to act and allow hair recovery in that area. This explains the best response of the drug in the back of the scalp (crown) with respect to the frontal zone. That being said, it should be emphasized that the drugs work well in all areas of the scalp (front, top and back) for the prevention and stabilization of hair loss.

Drug treatment for hair loss produces results over time and it’s usually necessary to wait for at least 6-12 months to see results. During the first months medicines may cause an increase in the fall, this is completely normal and you must be patient and continue to take the medications. Benefits gained will be lost if you stop taking the drug and you will soon return to the degree of baldness that you would have reached if you had never used the drug.