Many of the available hair loss medications are called ‘Alpha Reductase Inhibitors’ for the enzyme they inhibit. Reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dehydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is suspected by many to be one of the main causes of hair loss. We will discuss the basics of each treatment that falls under this category of hair loss medication.
Propecia
One type of hair loss medication is Propecia - the first and only FDA approved hair loss pill. This type of medication works by inhibiting type II reductase in the body. The good part is that it does bring back hair growth on the top and front of the head, but the main setback is that if you quit taking this pill your hair will fall back out again.
There is a new drug on the market that is believed to be more effective than Propecia, because it inhibits both type one and two reductase, whereas Propecia is only effective with type two. This new drug is called Avodart.
Anti-Androgens
Other types of hair loss medication include the anti-androgens. These medications inhibit the male sex hormones in our body and are commonly prescribed for female pattern baldness. Male patients should exercise caution with this type of hair loss medication.
Aldactone is otherwise known as Spironolactone and is mostly used by women. The other type of medication for women is known as Diane35. Men should not use these medications because they will lower their sex hormones, and could possibly cause further hair loss. Proper balancing with hormones between males and females is very important when determining the correct hair loss medication.
Loniten is a hair growth stimulant and contains the same active ingredient as the topical treatments like Rogaine, but they are in oral form.
Arimidex can be used as a hair loss medication because it inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the production of estrogen in our bodies. This is mainly used by men who are concerned about the feminizing effects of Propecia.
In conclusion, there are many different options available on the market today that don’t require surgery of any kind. The important part is knowing which sex the drugs exist for and make sure you are taking the correct one. If you are interested in hair loss medication, you must have all the facts before you start to take anything.
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