Dr. Meshkin: Medical Treatments and Other Options For Hair loss

[Dr. Michael Meshkin]

Medical Treatment and other options:

 

Finasteride (Propecia), an oral medication available by prescription only, has been introduced to the market in the past decade. Finasteride is approved only for use by men. Through scientific studies, it has been shown to re-grow hair in some men and stop hair loss in an even higher percentage. Finasteride works by decreasing the formation of DHT, a hormone responsible in large for male pattern hair loss, while not reducing testosterone, the overall male hormone responsible for masculinity. Therefore, any side effects that may involve male sexual function are mild and occur in less than 2% of all patients. Finasteride has been available for over 10 years and has been shown to be somewhat safe and effective. Finasteride (Propecia) works best for early and moderate hair loss, but it may also help patients with more advanced hair loss to preserve their remaining hair, and its use is suggested by hair restoration surgeons as an effective medication to slow down or reverse male pattern hair loss in many men. It is often used as a complimentary treatment for hair transplant patients.

Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) has been around for over 15 years and is helpful in slowing down hair loss, but less effective in helping new hair to grow. A higher concentration (5% solution) of minoxidil is now available for men and has been shown to be more effective than the 2% solution. 5% minoxidil solution is generally not recommended for use by women because it may stimulate the growth of facial hair, and also because at least one study suggests that it is not more effective than the 2% in females.

Both finasteride and minoxidil must be used on a continual basis in order to sustain results, and if discontinued, the process of balding resumes. These medications may not work for everyone, but they have a proven track record that shows some benefit to many people. In addition, combination treatment with minoxidil solution and finasteride may provide added benefit for men with androgenetic alopecia.

Laser treatments for hair loss are also available. It has been claimed that low level laser increases the quality and health of growing hair. It increases blood lymph and circulation to the hair follicles, decreases inflammation and energizes the follicular cells, allowing the hair to grow thicker and fuller. They come in forms of either laser combs or oscillating hoods. It must be used up to three times a week, each time 20 minutes for about 6-12 months to see the results. They are more effective if used in conjunction with Minoxidil or Propecia and are considered to be safe. However, the long term effectiveness and its safety need to be further investigated before the device is substantiated.

It is important to research these products thoroughly before using them. There are many undocumented "miracle cures" that have circulated the market since the 19th century. You can either blindly accept the claims these products make and purchase them or you can approach them with some skepticism to discern the products reliability. It is always good to look for documented proof on products such as FDA approval to discern whether the product has in fact stimulated hair growth in a majority of persons using it in a safe manner with minimal side effects.

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Very well stated. This is an excellent and very thorough description of the common non surgical options in hair restoration

[Dr. Michael Meshkin]

Thank you Dr. Charles, I appreciate your comment.

[Bill - Seemiller]

Dr. Meshkin,

 

Thank you for summarizing the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments and for encouraging those visiting this community to proceed with skepticism when evaluating alternative products. I will be presenting this article on our popular Hair Loss Q&A Blog in the coming days.

 

All the Best,

 

Bill

[Dr. Michael Meshkin]

Thanks bill, I am hoping that this article offers enough information to make the correct decision when choosing the right medical treatment. In this day and age when we are bombarded with so many products, it is always a good idea to do some research and proceed with skepticism.

[Rachmunas4life]

Very nice write up! What are your thoughts on PRP? Thank you, Dr.

[Dr. Michael Meshkin]

Hello Rachmunas,

 

It is important to research the effectiveness of this procedure throughly. There are many unsubstantiated procedures that have been circulating the market for many years. Like any other new product or technique, people tend to get excited initially, but the only way to findout if PRP has any effect is by doing more research and report on the results.

Today there are many doctors and companies who are working on growth factors and their effect on hair follicles or any tissue they come in contact with. PRP is a growth factor medium for follicles, but its benefits and long term effectiveness is not really substantiated. Personally, I like to wait until furthur studies are done, results are substantiated and the technique is furthur investigated.

[B+ve]

Dr

In the above post you have mentioned that propecia is more effective than minoxidil in regrowing hair whereas minoxidil is only helpful is slowing down the loss.

 

 

I have read reports that propecia is mainly useful to retain the existing hair while minoxidil is very effective in regrowing new hair.What is the exact mechanism of each drug.

 

I have been on both drugs for the last 4 months and i have noticed a lot of growth in the crown area.Is is because of propecia or minoxidil?

[Jotronic]

To clarify and insert more detail Rogaine was introduced 22 years ago in 1988 after the FDA approved it for prescription only. The patent expired in 1996 which is why you see so many "natural" ointments, lotions, and snake oil on the market that say they have an "FDA approved" ingredient. The foam was introduced in 2007. In Europe Rogaine is marketed as "Regaine".

 

Finasteride 5mg (Proscar) was introduced 18 years ago in 1992 after FDA approval. Finasteride 1mg (Propecia) was introduced in 1997 after FDA approval and the patent on 5mg finasteride (which is a separate patent on the 1mg version) expired in 2006.