Hair Loss Medications
Hair loss is an ancient condition that has plagued human kind for millennia. Through modern day science & technology we have made significant advancements in the management of hair loss, and there are a number of well studied medications of varying dosages, protocols, side effects & efficacy. Surgery is most effective in medically stable patients, without ongoing aggressive hair loss, which in most cases means long term medical maintenance.
Medications for hair loss aim to slow down & partially reverse hair miniaturisation & thinning, promoting hair thickness & growth, stimulate the hair cycle and improve the overall hair appearance. There are 2 primary categories of medications, stimulatory & blocking.
- Stimulatory medications improve blood supply to hair follicles, angiogenesis around the bulbs & prolong the anagen growth phase.
- Blocker medications primarily suppress the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the primary culprit in androgenetic alopecia in genetically susceptible individuals.
As you explore our website you will learn that the most common form of hair loss, i.e. androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern) is a progressive condition, thus medication often needs to be maintained life long in order to maintain results. Therefore it is essential to discuss the medications in detail prior to committing to the treatment journey. These medications are not suitable without medical guidance & assessment. Most are not suitable for women who are or may become pregnant. Below we summarise some of the primary & off label hair loss medications.
Minoxidil: Is a vasodilator, initially designed as an anti-hypertensive, it was found to be stimulatory to hair growth. It has been used for decades by men and women as a hair loss medication which promotes blood flow to hair follicles. Patients may experience initial shedding or unwanted facial or body hair, and with oral use, dizziness, fluid retention or palpitations.
Finasteride & Dutasteride: Are blocking medications which inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Initially prescribed for prostate enlargement, studies show they have been effective in treating hair loss, albeit at significantly lower dosages. While generally well tolerated at these lower dosages, occasional side effects include sexual such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or reduced semen volume. Gynecomastia & depressive symptoms have also been reported. These side effects are reported in a small percentage of users and are typically reversible upon discontinuing the medication, although some report persisting symptoms.
Ketoconazole Shampoo: Is an anti-fungal shampoo available in topical form (shampoo) that has been reported to have anti-androgenic properties, which can help reduce hair loss by countering the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
Can medications be compounded? Compounding pharmacies prepare and combine specific dosages tailored to each patient, either topically or orally. However they should be prescribed only by experienced doctors who are aware of the latest research, dose variation response and side effect profiles of each medication. They will educate you on the possible risks, benefits & help you formulate an informed decision.
Minoxidil: Is a vasodilator, initially designed as an anti-hypertensive, it was found to be stimulatory to hair growth. It has been used for decades by men and women successfully as a hair loss medication which promotes blood flow to hair follicles.
Finasteride & Dutasteride: Are blocking medications which inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Initially prescribed for prostate enlargement, they have been found to be the most effective medications available in treating hair loss, albeit at significantly lower dosages. While generally well tolerated at these lower dosages, occasional side effects include sexual such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or reduced semen volume. Gynecomastia & depressive symptoms have also been reported. These side effects are reported in a small percentage of users and are typically reversible upon discontinuing the medication.
Spironolactone: Is designed as a diuretic & anti hypertensive and has been prescribed off label due to its anti androgenic effects.
Ketoconazole: Is an anti-fungal medication available in topical form (shampoo) and, less commonly, in oral form that has been reported to have anti-androgenic properties, which can help reduce hair loss by countering the effects of DHT on hair follicles.
