Options For Treatment For Hair Loss
When it comes to treatment for hair loss, there are many different options to choose from. Some will work for some people and others will work for others. It is important when choosing a treatment that you do not make the wrong choice and waste your time and money on a product or treatment that will not work. In this article I will discuss various treatment options that can help you grow your hair back if you are losing your treatment for hair loss.
First, one of the most popular treatments for hair loss is Rogaine. It was originally designed to treat high cholesterol and has been used to treat androgenic alopecia since the early 1960s. It blocks the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a hormone produced by testosterone and binds with the follicle stimulating receptor site in the scalp.
Minoxidil is another medication that can be used to treat male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is actually applied topically to the scalp twice a day. The concentration of the minoxidil varies depending upon the manufacturer but the recommended dosage is 4 ounces of solution a day. It works by encouraging new hair growth by increasing the number of follicles in the scalp as well as stimulating re-growth. One thing to note, if you are pregnant it is best to consult your doctor before using minoxidil because it could affect the development of your unborn baby.
Another treatment for loss of hair is the use of iron supplements. Like Minoxidil, it has to be taken orally, usually once a day, to ensure absorption. There are three different types of iron supplements to choose from; standard, preferred, or supplemental. Standard iron supplements include heme, tri-cyclic, or heme and oxygen. Preferred iron comes from bone, liver, and fish sources while supplemental iron is provided by eating iron-fortified foods such as green leafy vegetables, fortified orange juice, wheat germ, and meat.
The third option available to you is called Minoxidil (Rogaine). Like many other drugs, Rogaine blocks the production of DHT. It does this by interacting with the androgenetic enzyme that causes the loss of hair follicles, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Once the enzyme is blocked, DHT cannot bind to and bind with the hair follicle receptor cells that control hair growth. So, Rogaine effectively blocks the pathway of loss and encourages new growth.
So, what are the benefits to using Rogaine? The primary benefit is the fact that Rogaine costs about the same as most over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos, deodorants, lotions, etc. However, it also delivers faster results. As a result, many people have experienced a dramatic increase in hair growth within just a few weeks of treatment. If you combine Rogaine with daily scalp massage, you may notice even greater gains.
There are many other treatments on the market that claim to treat hereditary hair loss. Some of these treatments work well, but others don’t. For example, finasteride is FDA approved and works by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. However, the beneficial effects only last so long. Within two months of finasteride use, hair growth stops completely.
Another option that is gaining in popularity is medical grade topical solutions. These solutions contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. One of the newest products on the market combines magnesium, licorice extract, pumpkin seed, dandelion root, nettle leaf, Aloe Vera, and jojoba. The combination of these ingredients stimulates the scalp’s vascular system and promotes healthy hair follicles. Unlike finasteride and shampoo treatments, these topical solutions have shown promising results.
Hormonal changes can also cause permanent hair loss. Estrogen is responsible for the growth phase of the follicle and is what causes a woman’s hair to grow. During pregnancy, estrogen levels temporarily skyrocketed causing a variety of different affects on a woman’s body including temporary loss of hair. Antidepressant medications are often prescribed for women suffering from hormonal changes. Unfortunately, these medications only provide short term relief.
Finally, male pattern baldness can be caused by surgery. This includes chemotherapy and radiation. Both procedures have been known to cause side effects that can limit their use. Fortunately, there is another solution available that is much less invasive than surgery or taking medications.
Treatments for female pattern hair loss include the use of herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and hormone therapy. Herbal supplements such as Saw Palmetto and Uva-Ursi are used to block the production of certain hormones in the body. Lifestyle changes can include reducing stress and avoiding harmful chemicals and toxins. Hormone therapy can be used to increase the levels of hormones in the body regulating hair growth.