Medical Treatment:

Just two products have been approved by U.S. FDA for halting hair loss and stimulating hair regrowth.

• Minoxidil.
• Finasteride.

MINOXIDIL:

This drug was introduced to treat hypertension, but was observed to cause excessive hair growth as a side effect. A topical solution was prepared to treat hair loss. It is to be applied to the scalp and stimulates hair growth in adult men and women.

With the use of Minoxidil, hair growth usually occurs after the medicine has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the medicine is being used. If minoxidil treatment is stopped, hair loss will begin again in a few months. Minoxidil is available in 2%, 5% and 10% solution strengths in the dosage of 1ml, twice a day.

Minoxidil is for external application on the scalp. For proper benefits, it has to be used regularly. Results are better when used over specific areas of hair loss.

FINESTERIDE:

Finesteride is an enzyme inhibitor which acts at molecular level to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It inhibits the activity of androgenic harmones on scalp hair follicles. It is an oral medication and used in a dosage of 1 mg per day.

Finesteride is not approved for use in females. Prolonged use of the medicine gives better results and it may be combined with minoxidil and surgical hair restoration for optimum benefits.