Doctors refuse using systemic medications to treat hair loss (pills or other forms of systemic treatment that affect the whole body), unless they know that hair loss is caused by androgen excess or androgen hypersensitivity (increased response) to normal amounts of androgen in the body, as these systemic treatments may reduce the androgen levels in the body. And this is why physicians usually choose topical treatments that are to be applied to the head scalp directly.
The best results from the medications happen when they are taken as soon as the androgenetic alopecia starts, this pattern of prolonged hair loss may destroy many hair follicles over time. Using anti-androgens after prolonged hair loss will help preventing any other damage and will encourage hair re-growth from follicles that have been dormant but are still viable. If the treatment is stopped, this will lead to the return of the hair loss if the androgens are not checked in some other way. Maintaining the levels of vitamins and minerals will help you when you use antiandrogen medications.
Minoxidil was first used in tablet as a medication to treat high blood pressure, and it was noticed that patients that are treated with it experienced excessive hair growth. In-depth researches revealed that applying minoxidil solution directly onto the scalp may stimulates hair growth. The absorbed amount of Minoxidil from the skin into blood stream is often too little to cause any internal side effects. Women with disseminated androgenic alopecia can use Minoxidil, and it seems to be more effective for women than men. Minoxidil manufacturing company recommend using only 2% concentration of minoxidil for women, and not using the 5% concentration minoxidil. The company didn't get the FDA approval to promote 5% concentration minoxidil to be used by women. Some dermatologists may prescribe the 5% for women who are suffering androgeneic alopecia if used under their supervision.
Spironolactone or aldacton is a drug from the drug class: potassium-sparing diuretics. It is used to reduce fluids amount in your body without reducing potassium. It is also used to treat hypertension, swelling, potassium deficiency and a hormonal disorder called hyper-aldosteronism. First, it slows down the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries, then, it blocks the action of androgens partly by preventing dihydrotestosterone from binding to its androgenic receptor.
Cimetidine is classified among histamine blockers, and it's used mainly to treat peptic ulcers. The blocking action of histamine prevents the stomach from producing excess acid, allowing the body to heal the ulcer. Cimetidine has also a strong antiandrogen effect, and it has shown its ability to inhibit dihydrotestosterone binding with receptors in the follicles. And has been studied in women with androgenic alopecia revealing promising results. Due to the high dosages needed for hair growth, men should not take cimetidine for hair loss treatment because of potential feminine effects including the reversed sexual side effects.
Cyproterone acetate is used to reduce strong sexual drive in men, and to treat hypersexuality. It is also FDA-approved to treat androgenic alopecia in women. Cyproterone acetate expresses its effects by blocking the binding of DHT dihydrotestosterone to its receptors. Cyproterone acetate is not available in USA. Doctors consider it one of the last options for treating female hair loss pattern because of its possible toxicity and long-term side effects.
Which are also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is widely used at menopause. Estrogen and progesterone pills and creams are probably the most common systemic treatment form for androgenic alopecia for women in menopause or whose estrogen and/or progesterone levels are low.
Continuous use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) decrease the production of ovarian androgens, they can be used to treat women androgenic alopecia. However, you should keep in mind that the same cautions should be followed whether a woman is taking contraceptives for birth control only or for women's hair loss treatment.
For example, women who smoke, are over 35 years, and taking contraceptive are considered more vulnerable to blood clotting and other serious issues. You should carefully discuss your medical history and lifestyle with your doctor. Contraceptives come in various hormonal combinations, and the doctor can determine the one appropriate for your specific needs, and he may change the contraceptives if needed to adapt to this combination physically and emotionally.
Ketoconazole is available as prescription topical treatment, it is currently used as antifungal to treat fungal infections. It also has anti-androgenic effects and can reduce the production of testosterone and other androgens by the adrenal gland and by the male and female reproductive organs. Therefore, it can be used to help treating hair loss. Nizoral shampoo contains 2 % ketoconazole and is prescribed not only for scalp treatment, but also in combination with other treatments for androgenic alopecia. There is 1% concentration product available now over-the-counter, however it may not be as effective as the 2% concentration formulation. Products and serious side effects.
Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase, inhibiting dihydrotestosterone that causes harm to prostate, and kills hair follicles.
It was first sold under the brand name Proscar as 5 mg tablets. In 1998, the first 1 mg product was introduced to the market under the brand name Propecia, as the first FDA approved medication in the form of tablets for men's hair loss.
It is very effective for most men in preventing hair loss as well as helping it grow back. It can be effective for some women; however, women should not take it in case of pregnancy, and they should not get pregnant when they're taking the medication because it increases the risk of congenital defects in male fetus. Less than 2 % of men have temporary sexual side effects, including erectile and libido difficulties while taking finasteride. However, in women these side effects do not occur..
Sold under the trade name diane 35 and diane 50, this contraceptive tablet is prescribed in Europe for women androgenic alopecia.This medication works by blocking some effects of the male hormones that women commonly have.
Although it is possible for the drug to stop further hair loss and trigger re-growth of the hair within about a year, it needs to be on an ongoing basis to maintain hair re-growth and to eliminate and stop hair loss. Potential side effects include gynecomastia, headache, and decreased sexual drive. It has one positive side effect as it helps preventing osteoporosis. The drug is composed of cyproterone and estradiol an estrogen. The medication is as effective as spironolactone, if it wasn't more even more effective. Drugs and treatments are currently available in the United States.