Men’s Hair Loss Treatment

Early intervention is the key to successfully treating any kind of hair loss. Using a clinically proven product as soon as hair loss is noticed is critical to ensure an effective remedy.

Unfortunately, the preponderance of advertised “treatments” that are being marketed today do not work at all and remain nothing more than “snake oils.”

Radio commercials, ads in the back of men’s magazines and the slew of infomercials promoting miracle cures do however, indicate that there is a concerned population looking for solutions to their hair loss problems.

For many years, minoxidil (loniten) in pill form was widely used to treat high blood pressure. Researchers discovered some very interesting side effects resulting in unexpected hair growth on cheeks, the back of hands and at times even on the forehead.

Topically applying minoxidil directly on the head was tried with considerable success depending on the extent of the hair loss. Because minoxidil was the first FDA approved hair loss drug, at the time, these results were considered to be an historical medical breakthrough.

However, despite clinical proof showing the slowing down of hair loss, the experts consider minoxidil as only a marginally effective drug. Any positive results appear to be temporary with limited long- term benefits due to its inability to control the hormone process.

Despite, these limitations, minoxidil is still recommended for those who have not had success with other treatments or want to add another product to their regiment as a small percentage of users do find it beneficial.

Meanwhile, it is noteworthy, that on December 22, 1997 a drug called Propecia became FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia.

Initially the generic drug finasteride was used during trials on men with enlarged prostates.

One of the side effects that aroused curiosity appeared to be hair growth. Merck and Company decided to explore further possibilities based on these findings, developing the brand names Proscar and Propecia in pill form.

Using a 1mg dose proved successful in the majority of men suffering from male pattern baldness; again making medical history. (Please don’t take this as a dosage recommendation.)

Unlike minoxidil the success of finasteride is due to its precise ability to inhibit Type II 5-alpha-reductace. This is the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotesterone, (DHT) a more potent androgen. Shrinking or miniaturizing of hair follicles eventually leads to baldness.

When DHT levels are reduced using Propecia’s 1 mg. dose of finasteride, data reveals a suspension of hair loss by as much as 60% when taken on a daily basis. 86% of men taking the drug during clinical trials showed this same 60% reduction in hair loss coupled with substantial hair growth in 65% of the trial participants.

It is now apparent with this scientific evidence that lowering levels of DHT is the most effective way to stop hair loss. This is indeed good news for men who are concerned and interested in creating an effective plan of attack against male pattern baldness.

Fortunately, advanced hair loss surgery is now available that can replace hair follicles with completely natural looking results. Most hair restoration clinics offer a free educational DVD package to help start the process. This information makes it easier to learn more about different types hair loss conditions prior to booking an initial consultation.