Hair Loss (Medical Management)

Hair Loss Causes
Contrary to general belief the unremitting loss of hair as time passes is not restricted to the male gender. Women may also be predisposed to male pattern hair loss, although it is not as common.

Male pattern hair loss occurs when, due to a hereditary predisposition, the hair follicles are overtly sensitive to normal male hormone levels and effectively burns out. Less commonly male hormones may be in excess.

Thyroid abnormalities or hormonal imbalance may unmask male patterns hair loss in both sexes, but more commonly in women. Therefore it is important to check for these conditions before embarking on a course of treatment. Age related hair loss may be alleviated by medication, surgery, or camouflage.

Medical Management
A medication, known as minoxidil, has provided the first really promising topical solution for the treatment of hair loss. Minoxidil is a drug given in tablet form to treat high blood pressure and has the side effect of hair growth on various parts of the body. Researchers applied the drug to the skin to determine whether it would have the same effect on hair growth when used externally as it does when taken internally. The results were positive.

Although Minoxidil increases blood circulation to the hair follicles experts are not convinced that this is how the drug really works. There has been some suggestion that minoxidil may work by prolonging the growth phase of the hair root and preventing its shrinkage over time.

Recent studies suggest that using tretinoin ( retin – A, Stieva-A, Vitamin A acid, Renova, Retisol-A, Rejuva-A) in combination with minoxidil may speed up the process of re growth by encouraging better penetration by the minoxidil, but more research is necessary to substantiate these findings.

Some oral medications prescribed by your physician may have an additive effect to Minoxidil.

Does minoxidil works for everyone who is balding?
In studies where hundreds of men used minoxidil, not everyone with male pattern baldness responded favourably.

A more youthfull appearance is usually the consequence of a hair transplant and many recipients experience heightened self- esteem and self- confidence.