Pros and Cons of Medication Used for Male Pattern Baldness

Are you concerned about excessive hair loss? Are you experiencing hair thinning? Is your scalp becoming shiny day by day? Do not worry; you are not alone. Hair loss is a common issue now-a-days. It is not an age, race or gender bound problem. Most men and many women have to deal with hair loss sometime in their lives. Here is the good news! You are not helpless against your hair loss. There are many solutions that can prevent baldness—from simply taking care of your hair to hair transplant surgeries. Today we have some excellent products for hair loss, courtesy the medical advancements.

Medicines are long used for treating androgenic alopecia in both men and women. They stop hair loss and initiate new hair growth. Some of the medicines are topical, others are available in the form of tablets and some are for systematic administration (through injections). Some of the medication for male pattern baldness are easily available over-the-counter while others need doctor’s prescription. Let’s have an overview of some reliable products for hair loss. Two most commonly prescribed medications for male-pattern baldness include:

1. Minoxidil:

Minoxidil is an FDA approved topical medicine for hair loss patients and is easily available over the counter. It is a hair growth stimulant that not only stops hair loss but also helps regrow hair in the affected areas. Hair growth was actually its side effect which was thought to be used for hair fall issues. It is available in 2%, 3% and 5% solutions and is found to be equally effective for men and women. However, the latter are recommended only Minoxidil with 2% strength.

Side effects of Minoxidil:

Irritation of eyes and at the treated area, itching and rash, hair growth in the areas of contact other than head, severe allergic reaction, chest pain, faintness, dizziness, sudden weight gain and swelling of the hands and feet are some of the potential side effects of Minoxidil.

2. Finasteride:

Finasteride is also an FDA approved hair regrowth medicine prescribed for treating male pattern baldness. It is a prescription medicine available in the form of pills under the brand name of Propecia. It is more effective than Minoxidil as it works by addressing the root cause of male pattern baldness – the Dihydrotestosterone hormones. DHT is the most lethal cause of hair loss in men known to date. Finasteride inhibits production of DHT and thus stops androgenic miniaturization of the hair follicles.

Side effects of Finasteride:

Finasteride is not recommended for women because of its tendency to cause birth defects in fetus. Its side effects in men include depression, anxiety, headache, cancer and gynecomastia.

The aforementioned medicines do help control hair loss, but they offer temporary relief and don’t give permanent results. Additionally, they have certain side effects that are not at all worth daring. That’s why it is recommended to always consult a trichologist before starting medical treatment for balding head.

Hair Transplant Surgery:

If you are seeking a safe, effective and permanent solution for male-pattern baldness, look no further than a Hair Transplant Surgery. The procedure does not grow new hair; it rather relocates existing baldness resistant hair on your scalp to give you a fuller and thicker head of hair. A hair transplant surgery not only gives natural looking hair but the results are also permanent and the best part is that it does not cause any long-term side effects either.

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