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Prescription Medications for Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is a growing problem for both men and women. The effects of hair loss can leave a person feeling embarrassed, singled out and depressed about the current condition of their hair. Where once, men and women were forced to live with the effects of hair loss, today they can choose a hair loss treatment to suit their needs.

The main hair loss treatment on the market falls into the prescription medication category. Prescription medications for hair loss work in one of two ways.  They will either inhibit the loss of hair and promote new hair growth, or simply promote the growth of new hair.

What Prescription Medications Are Available?

Finasteride, one hair loss treatment medication, inhibits or blocks the production of DHT. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, inhibits the growth of hair on the scalp and encourages the growth of new hair. With the use of Finasteride, patients often experience a reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair growth. Unfortunately, only about half of the patients using Finasteride actually regain enough hair to be visible with the naked eye.

Another medication used for hair loss treatment is Minoxidil. Minoxidil does not inhibit the production of DHT, so hair loss is not stopped or slowed. Minoxidil forces the hair follicles to begin regrowing hair after they have become dormant. The effects of this hair loss treatment tend to be similar to those of the Finasteride. But, the hair regrown with Minoxidil is not the same thickness and texture as the mature hair growth. Vaguely resembling baby hair, the new hair growth is thin and wispy.

Each of these versions of a hair loss treatment require a prescription from a medical doctor. These medications will be used in conjunction with routine follow up visits to determine whether the hair loss treatment is working properly. If prescription medications do not help reduce the hair loss or regrow hair, there are natural hair loss treatments that may work better for the patient. Natural treatment of hair loss offers far less chance of side effects. The side effects of prescription hair loss treatment may include skin irritation, inflammation or redness of the area where applied.

Hair loss is a treatable disorder for both men and women. The stage of the hair loss may determine which hair loss treatment is right for which patient. In the beginning stages, preventing additional hair from falling out may be the main concern. Whereas, with patients who have already lost a significant amount of hair, new hair may be all that matter.