Male pattern baldness/hair loss, known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is mostly a genetic condition where the hair follicles on the scalp start to miniaturize and disappear, resulting in hair loss. What causes this is a sex hormone called DHT, which is converted from Testosterone and is spread into the bloodstream. DHT binds to your hair follicles and starts to cause hair loss on the crown and the front of your head.
But don't worry just yet. DHT can be reduced or blocked to slow down, prevent or even reverse hair loss in the affected areas of the head.
Here are the top 5 proven and approved medicines that you can use to stop your hair loss right now:
1. Finasteride
Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is an oral tablet available over-the-counter that works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT in the body. With a reduced level of DHT, your hair follicles will be less likely to be bound by it. This is the most popular drug on this list that is used worldwide.
80% of men retained their hair and 64% experienced regrowth after about 4 to 10 months of use.
This medicine is FDA approved and is available at any major medical store. Side effects have also been reported in 1% of men who took the drug, so consulting a doctor before using it is advised.
2. Minoxidil 5%
Minoxidil 5% is the active ingredient present in a variety of products, most notably in Rogaine. It is topical, which means it's a serum or foam applied to the scalp by hand. Though it isn't clear how exactly it works, it is said that it enlarges the hair follicles and increases its growth cycle, hence getting more coverage over the scalp. This only works at the top of the head, known as the crown, and doesn't work for frontal baldness. This is the other equally popular drug on this list besides Finasteride to be used around the world.
It is generally much safer than Propecia but the success rate is much lower. It shows results in about 60% of the men that use it, after 4 to 8 months of use.
This drug is also FDA approved and available at any major pharmacy. Side effects are also not as adverse but consult a doctor if any sudden complications arise.
3. Dutasteride
Dutasteride, knew as Avodart, is almost the same as Finasteride but thought to be even more effective because it reduces DHT even more than Finasteride does by blocking more than one enzyme. The only limiting point is that it is not approved like Finasteride is, but that hasn't stopped professionals from recommending it.
This too is available at medical stores near you, but it is advised to consult an expert before it is used.
4. DHT-blocking Shampoos
There are shampoos available in the market that claim to be DHT blockers, but most aren't tested or proven. Here are some that have been picked by experts to work most of the time:
Saw Palmetto:
Used to thicken hair and unclog hair follicles, it is also said to lower levels of DHT though more research is required for this. It can still be used to make the hair you already have healthier.
Ketoconazole:
Used most famously for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, it may also inhibit hair growth on your head by balancing DHT levels.
Pumpkin Seed Oil:
This may be the most effective of all the shampoos because it actually works by stopping Testosterone from making DHT, and a study showed that 40% hair growth was reported in 6 months in all men that used it. It is recommended that this be used along with Finasteride and Minoxidil for best results.
5. A Combination Of Medications
Of course, all medicines listed above work well on their own, but it has been proven that a combination of these medications together will work even better. Some of the most popular combinations include Finasteride-Minoxidil, along with some of the shampoos and other scalp massaging techniques.
These have been some of the most proven drugs to work for men suffering from male pattern baldness; with the right approach and plan, you can stop or slow it down before it gets too serious. But be sure to visit a hair specialist to know what may work best for your condition.
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