Hair Loss Treatment - Rogaine and Propecia

At the time of writing there are two FDA approved prescription medications for hair loss treatment. They are: Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasterida (Propecia). Both of these prescription medications have been used quite effectively to slow down the loss of hair. In some individuals, Rogaine has helped to actually stimulate hair re-growth but this exciting phenomenon doesn't occur in all cases. The key to using both of these medications as hair loss treatment is early detection.

Rogaine as a hair loss treatment

Medications are available by prescription for those that are losing their hair and want to prevent it from becoming a major problem. For those that are looking into hair loss treatments, they may have become familiar with Rogaine as a possibility. Before buying this product, understanding this medication and how it works as a hair loss treatment and how it will affect you and your hair growth is important. You can then make a decision on how effective it will be for preventing your particular hair loss.

Rogaine is also sometimes known as Topical Minoxidil. It resulted from a different type of medication that was used to treat high blood pressure. One of the side effects from this medication was extra hair growth. From this point on, researchers began to look into how the Minoxidil affected hair growth and separated out the specific supplements that helped to treat the symptoms. Then the FDA approved the medication, stating that it was effective with less side effects.

The main benefit of minoxidil is its ability to stimulate hair growth - it does not tackle the causes of hair loss, but simply overrides the symptoms. Some uncertainty surrounds the reasons why it works, but it has proven to be a very effective hair loss treatment with minimal risk of side effects.

Male Pattern Baldness

It is particularly useful when used to reverse the effects of male pattern baldness but it has also shown positive results in the treatment of less severe forms of alopecia areata. Its usefulness in helping other forms of hair loss appears limited.

Rogaine is most effective as a hair loss treatment when treating hair loss that occurs at the top of the head for both men and women. It is known to do this as a stimulant that helps to promote hair growth. This is done through external use, as the solution is applied to the head where there is loss of hair at least twice a day. This can also be used as a spray and will begin to affect hair growth in the particular areas after four to six months of use. If you don’t see improvement after this time, then the Rogaine will probably not stimulate hair growth for you.

Possible side effects of Rogaine as a hair loss treatment

Before deciding to use Rogaine, you should check with your doctor to make sure that the side effects will not be detrimental to you. The ingredient Minoxidil is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. It could also react with other drugs and medications at the same time. If you are pregnant, you may also not want to take Rogaine as a way to help hair loss. More serious diseases that you have had in the past may also affect your body after you take the medication. Things such as heart, kidney, liver or scalp disease can affect the reaction that you have from using Rogaine.

Another side effect that is somewhat common for Rogaine is irritation of the scalp. It may become red or begin to itch. It may also begin to become scaly or start to flake. There may also be a burning sensation that occurs after taking the medication. If this results from the Rogaine, you should stop using the medication. Eventually, these symptoms should disappear without complications.

Propecia as a hair loss treatment

Propecia, in generic terms is known as Finasteride. It is known to help men that are dealing with male-pattern baldness, also known as DHT. This particular pattern of baldness and hair loss is known to directly affect men because of genetics that are passed down from both their mother and father. The genetics begin to react later on in life by causing the hormone DHT to react with the enzymes that are located in the scalp and hair region. This begins to thin the hair and eventually causes it to fall out completely.

Propecia is a medication that must be prescribed by a doctor and is known to specifically target men who are dealing with hair loss. While women will sometimes use the medication, it is known to be a reaction that specifically relates to the effects from men’s hair loss. Propecia will interact with male pattern baldness by adding an androgen hormone as a possible treatment. This will then balance out with the enzymes and other chemicals that are causing hair loss.

Finasteride was initially marketed to treat prostate conditions under the name Proscar in 5mg pills. It was known to inhibit the formation of DHT, a major contributor to both prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss.

A 1mg daily dose is now marketed under the brand name Propecia and it remains the only prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically as a hair loss treatment, although women should note that it is NOT approved for treatment of women because finasteride is dangerous for an unborn male fetus. Women of child bearing age should therefore consult with their physician before considering the use of this drug as hair loss treatment.

Other side effects of Propecia as a hair loss treatment

Even though Propecia is FDA approved and is known as an effective medication for those dealing with hair loss before considering this particular medication, you should also know about possible side effects. Because of the added hormone that is being put into your body, it may induce sexual side affects that are related to it. There may also be possible allergic reactions that occur, which can be noted from rashes, itching or irritation taking place. If you experience any of these reactions, you should stop taking the medication and speak to your doctor.

Before deciding on whether to take Propecia, you should also look into the different types of ingredients that are added to the medication. Asking your doctor, as well as investigating how others have reacted, will help you in determining whether it is right for your body and whether it will affect you with allergies or any other symptoms. By understanding whether it will affect you negatively, you can determine if it will be a good option for you as a hair loss treatment.

The main purpose of Propecia is to halt hair loss and maintain what hair coverage is left. It is therefore popular with younger men who want to control hair loss at an early stage. Men of all ages use it in combination with minoxidil to achieve a hair loss strategy that both halts hair loss and encourages new growth.

Summary

If you are looking into possibilities for hair re-growth after hair loss, then you may want to consider Rogaine. This works as a stimulant in order to provide you with the proper cures for your hair loss. If you understand how Rogaine works, as well as what is in the medication and how you may react to it, you can decide if it is going to be an effective medication for you to use as a hair loss treatment.

Propecia is one of several medications that are available for those dealing with hair loss. By understanding how it can help you, as well as the disadvantages that are associated with it, you can determine if it is the right method to help with your hair loss. By speaking with your doctor, as well as investigating the medication, it will help you in making the right decision about this medication. This can then help you in preventing and treating your hair loss.

Research material on hair loss treatment provided by K. Standerline, State Registered Nurse. UK

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