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Hair Loss Treatment Options
Strands of hair piling up atop the shower drain and clumps of hair clinging to life on combs are everyone's idea of a stylistic crisis. Each year, millions of men and women go through some type of hair loss.
With advancements in technology and the effectiveness of many medications currently out there, the industry has had its fair share of success in combating hair loss. Fortunately, there are a few effective treatments out there starting ranging from topical medications to natural treatments. Two of the most renowned topical medications right now are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
Rogaine
Without a doubt, Rogaine (with its popular commercials depicting full haired men on gray boxes) is one of the finest in the industry. Its active ingredient, minoxidil, rests its crosshairs on Androgenetic Alopecia, which is the most common form of male and female hair loss. Originally, it was believed to have stimulated blood circulation to the follicles. Now, industry experts recognize Rogaine as being a PGHS 1 booster an enzyme that helps promote hair growth. Today, continued studies show that 48% of all men who used Rogaine saw a modest amount of hair regrowth after one year while 36% of men saw their regrowth as minimal. 66% of women experienced regrowth within a couple of months with Rogaine as well. Overall, it is an effective treatment that takes some time to work.
Learn more: Is Rogaine Right for My Hair Loss Problem?
Propecia
Another common treatment available is Propecia, second in command in the hierarchy of topical hair loss products. With its active ingredient, finesteride, it weaves its magic by lowering DHT levels in the hair follicles through blockage of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme that hijacks testosterone and reverses its role. With DHT limited, hair regrowth could be normalized at best and slow down hair loss. Overall, Propecia is a very effective product with most men seeing an increase in hairs from the medication. Unfortunately, Propecia has been responsible for decreased sexual libido and sperm count in men - which seem to work against the whole idea of having hair for some.
Learn more: Is Propecia Safe?
Other Topical Solutions
Three other major players in the fight against hair loss is Retin-A, Nizoral, and Skinoren. Retin-A was originally designed to fight acne, thought it has been proven to rejuvenate cell production and vascularity in the scalp. Many hair doctors prescribe a mix of Retin-A and Rogaine for their patients, which seems to product desirable results in most men and women. Plus, with its gel substance, it penetrates better into the hair follicles providing a pseudo sense of satisfaction for many who may believe applying gels is more of a 'direct' route to the problem. Nizoral and Skinoren (not standalone treatments) have been discovered to reduce concentrates of alpha-5-reductase in the hair follicles.
Using these treatments comes after close consultation with your doctor. You should call your doctor if your hair loss is sudden; shedding is noticed in large amounts after maintenance, and signs of skin change in the scalp along with gradual thinning and balding. Discussing your treatment options can be done anything. Soon enough, any one of these topical treatments may be prescribed or given to you where slowing down and reversing the hair loss process can be done in no time.
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