***Know the Options: Types of Hair Loss Medicine

Most men begin experiencing hair loss between the ages of 25 and 40. The best way to prevent major hair loss is to begin treating it as soon as it starts. Treating hair loss early on will allow the follicles to become stronger, encourage regrowth and prevent affected follicles from going permanently dormant. Fortunately for men currently experiencing hair loss, there are a wide range of hair loss medicines available to them.

The Various Types of Hair Loss Medicine

Hair loss medicine comes in many different forms. There are topical ointments, sprays, shampoos and oral medications. Women who experience hormone-related hair loss can even use oral contraceptives and anti-androgens.

Of all the different types of hair loss medicine available, two are much more popular than their competitors. The most popular medicine is minoxidil, also sold as brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil is available in various topical forms and must be applied directly to the scalp. While the makers of minoxidil claim that they are unsure exactly how their product works, it is believed to work by blocking certain hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that play a role in male pattern baldness.

The second most popular hair loss medicine is finasteride, which also goes by two brand names: Propecia and Proscar. Finasteride is an oral medication that inhibits 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Because finasteride inhibits DHT inside the body, it is slightly more effective than minoxidil. This medication is only available by prescription and is exclusively prescribed to men.

Is Hair Loss Medicine the Best Option

While there are several drugs designed to treat hair loss, not everyone is comfortable using unnecessary medication. Since some popular medications require a prescription, these options can also be very costly. Many insurance companies do not cover hair loss medication, which means that patients must pay for both their doctor’s visits and their prescription.

Instead of using traditional medication, some men are opting for hair loss supplements. Hair loss supplements are all-natural treatments that contain herbs, extracts and natural oils. Like chemical-laden medications, natural treatments are available as topical lotions, sprays and oral supplements.

How Natural Hair Loss Medicine Works

Natural supplements work very similarly to regular medications. Oral supplements typically inhibit the conversion of testosterone into DHT by reducing the production and function of 5-alpha reductase. Topical supplements work by blocking DHT from attaching to and ultimately damaging the hair follicles. These actions are exactly what can be expected of any prescription or over-the-counter hair loss medication.

While not every natural supplement produces great results, there are a few that do. To select an effective supplement, look for one that contains proven ingredients like saw palmetto, gotu kola, nettles, eleuthero root, grape seed, muira puma and rooibos leaf. These ingredients have been found to work as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and DHT blockers, making them effective against male pattern baldness. Many natural oils and minerals, including peppermint oil and niacin, also benefit hair loss sufferers by stimulating the scalp, increasing circulation and promoting hair growth. These natural compounds prove that chemical-based medications are not the only way to treat male pattern baldness.