Hair Loss (cont.)
What treatments are there for hair loss in men?
Many conditioners, shampoos, vitamins, and other products claim to help hair
grow in some unspecified way. These are harmless but useless. To slow down hair
loss, there are two basic options:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): This
topical application is available over the counter, no prescription is required. It works
best on the crown, less on the frontal region. Available as a 2% solution,
Rogaine may grow a little hair, but it's better at holding onto what's still
there. There are few side effects with Rogaine. The main problem with this
treatment is the need to keep applying it twice a day, and most men get tired of
it after a while. In addition, minoxidil works less well on the front of the
head, which is where baldness bothers most men. This drug also comes in a higher
strength, 5%, which may be a bit more effective.
- Finasteride (Propecia): This is a lower-dose version of a drug that shrinks prostates in
middle-aged men. Propecia is available by prescription and is taken once a day. Propecia
does grow and thicken hair to some extent, but its main use is to keep hair
that's still there. It's therefore best for men who still have enough hair to
retain. One side effect is impotence, but this is no more common than it is in
the general population and is reversible when the drug is stopped. Taking
Propecia once a day is easier that applying minoxidil, but the prospect of
taking a pill daily for years doesn't sit well with some men. There's also the
cost, about $60/month, not reimbursed by most health insurers.
Minoxidil and
Propecia are meant to be used indefinitely. Those who change their mind and stop
are left where they would have been without them but no worse.
Next: What other options do I have for hair loss? »
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