Losing one’s lush crowning glory can be a depressive situation for almost all individuals in their late 20s or early 30s. That is why there are a large number of potential hair loss treatments with different levels of effectiveness. A company, which manufactures an eyelash enhancer Latisse, has proudly announced that it has begun the testing method for its hair loss formulation on sufferers whose hair loss is genetically inherited. Latisse is a FDA approved , prescription strength treatment for eyelash enhancement. The manufacturers of Latisse are now hoping that its hair loss product aimed at treating male pattern baldness and other hair loss conditions can gain FDA approval. Read More »

After conducting a substantial amount of research into this area, we highly recommend replacing finasteride with a safe and natural alternative. This suggestion comes after careful consideration of several important factors:

1)   In December 2008, the Swedish Medical Products Agency completed a safety investigation of Propecia. They concluded that the use of Propecia might result in irreversible sexual side-effects. The Agency’s updated safety information now includes “persistence of erectile dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment with Propecia” as a possible adverse reaction to the drug. To read the full article – click here

2)   In December 2009, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK announced new drug safety data on finasteride. After carefully reviewing the results of several controlled studies, the agency wrote “an increased risk of male breast cancer associated with finasteride use cannot be excluded.” On the basis of this information, it was recommended that a warning should be included in the product information for all medicines containing finasteride mentioning the possible risk of breast cancer. To read the full article – click here Read More »

Ketoconazole is a synthetic anti-fungal drug used to treat a variety of skin conditions including dandruff and athlete’s foot. Although Ketoconazole has not been specifically approved for the indication of treating hair loss, it remains an effective adjuvant to existing hair loss regimens. Ketoconazole is distributed by McNeill-PPC, Inc. as a shampoo under the brand name, Nizoral™.

History: In 1981, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ketoconazole for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. A study conducted in 1998 found Nizoral 2% to be just as effective as Minoxidil 2% in men affected by androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Nizoral not only increased the number of hairs in the anagen phase of the follicle growth cycle, it also increased the diameter of hair shafts. Because Nizoral has not been specifically approved by the FDA to treat AGA, however, it cannot be marketed as a hair loss product. Nevertheless, many independent experts maintain that Nizoral 1% can significantly improve hair growth.

Method of Action: In addition to having potent anti-fungal properties, Ketoconazole works as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and hair growth stimulant. Ketoconazole will not result in the formation of new hair follicles, but it is effective at maintaining and thickening existing hair. When taken orally, Ketoconazole can inhibit the production of testosterone within the body. When applied topically, however, this effect is greatly reduced.

Usage: It is recommended that Nizoral™ shampoo be used two-to-three times per week. Shampoo should be massaged into the scalp (to remove dead skin cells and increase blood circulation) and left in for 3-5 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly.

There are several other formulations under which Ketoconazole can be administered, including tablets taken orally and creams applied topically. While topical creams have recently been found to have positive effects on hair growth, oral tablets provide no such improvements and can have serious side-effects (especially when combined with other medicines).

Cost: Ketoconazole 1% anti-dandruff shampoo typically costs 15 dollars per 7 fluid ounces. This product (Nizoral™) does not require a prescription and can be purchased at most major drug stores and hair care retailers.

Finasteride-based treatments are best represented by the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While they can be quite effective in delaying the progression of male pattern baldness, they do very little for people that already have extensive hair loss. Nevertheless, 5AR inhibitors like Propecia and Proscar are currently the strongest weapons available in the war on baldness.

History: In 1992, Finasteride was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Pyperplasia (BPH). In 1997 Merck and Company marketed the product as a hair loss treatment (although at a different dosage) after noticing its positive effects on hair growth. 13 years later, Finasteride remains 1 of only 2 FDA approved medications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Method of Action: The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is involved in the conversion of testosterone into its active form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT – the androgen primarily responsible for male pattern baldness). Over time, DHT shrinks hair follicles until they no longer produce visible hairs. Finasteride is a 5AR inhibitor. By reducing circulating levels of DHT, androgen receptors in the hair follicle are protected from its adverse effects.

Usage: Finasteride is generally administered in the form of once daily pills. Results are not typically visible for period of about 6 months (with optimal results occurring around 12 months). After a period of 5-6 years, these results steadily diminish.

Like Minoxidil, Finasteride is especially effective in the vertex and crown areas of the scalp. The effects of Finasteride on the hairline have not been verified in any clinical setting.

Cost: Finasteride cannot be purchased without a prescription from a doctor. A month’s supply of Propecia 1 mg tablets generally costs about 50 dollars. Bulk-rates and generic versions of Finasteride are also available.

Finasteride treatments are known to have many side effects ranging from gynecomastia to erectile dysfunction. Consult with your doctor before adding Finasteride to your regimen.

Minoxidil (distributed under brand names Rogaine™ and Regaine™) is perhaps the best-known treatment for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is unique because of its topical formulation and availability to both men and women.

History: Minoxidil was initially used as a treatment for high blood pressure, marketed under the brand name Loniten. After hair growth was discovered as a common side-effect, Minoxidil was reformulated by Upjohn Corporation into a 2% topical solution. In 1988, after clinical trials had concluded, Rogaine became the first treatment approved by the FDA with the indication of treating androgenetic alopecia.

Method of Action: Although Minoxidil is the oldest existing medication for AGA, its precise method of action remains unknown. Minoxidil is a potassium channel agonist; meaning that it facilitates in the movement of ions between cells within the body. How this function relates to male-pattern baldness is still being investigated.

Usage: Minoxidil is applied twice daily to the scalp, either in foam or liquid form. Patients often report excessive shedding when they start regimens that include Minoxidil. This shedding period is mostly temporary, however, and generally ceases once the body becomes accustomed to the treatment.

Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil has the ability to regrow new hair, albeit in very small quantities. It is most effective rejuvenating hairs in the vertex and crown areas of the scalp. Minoxidil has also been found to be quite effective in patients with diffuse thinning.

It should be noted that results will only be seen after 4 months of continuous application. Hairs rejuvenated with Minoxidil are generally sparse, weak and often colorless. Once Minoxidil treatment is stopped, these minimal gains are lost within a period of 6 months.

Cost: Rogaine can be purchased over-the-counter at most local pharmacies. A month’s supply of treatment costs approximately 30 dollars, but bulk rates and discounts are available.

Consult with your doctor to see if adding Minoxidil to your regimen is safe and beneficial.