Medications for hair loss in men

Drug therapy for alopecia is a method of influencing the body's functioning and hair growth using pharmaceutical products. It should be said that the choice of drugs used for this purpose is relatively small, but their use allows men to successfully combat their problem, even though preserving hair often requires long-term treatment.

So, in the treatment of androgenic alopecia there are 2 main groups of drugs: antiandrogens and hair growth stimulants, which are recommended to be taken in combination to achieve good results, you can use folk remedies for hair loss. Let's start looking at popular drugs for the treatment of baldness in men with drugs that reduce the activity of male sex hormones and the body's sensitivity to them.

Finasteride

A hormonal drug used in the treatment of alopecia due to its ability to block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. In principle, the drug was originally intended to treat prostate adenoma, but its ability to reduce the concentration of dihydrotestosterone in a man's blood came in handy for those for whom this hormone was the cause of early hair loss.

Finasperide tablets for male pattern baldness should be taken one per day. It is advisable to do this immediately before or after meals. The first results from taking the drug can be observed after 3-4 months of therapy, but this is not a reason to stop treatment, because active hair growth begins only after six months to a year. Yes, the drug gradually accumulates in the body and its effect becomes more noticeable, but it does not solve the problem of elevated testosterone levels, but only blocks the enzyme that turns it into an enemy for hair.

A man will have to take 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors regularly throughout his life, since stopping therapy is fraught with the resumption of dihydrotestosterone activity and loss of new hair. However, after 1-2 years of treatment, when the maximum possible effect is achieved, it is recommended to switch to natural remedies with a similar effect.

The drug is intended for the treatment of men, but in case of hypersensitivity to its components, it is recommended to choose another drug.

"Finasteride", although it causes hair growth in 99% of patients, is not really a safe drug for men. The most common side effects of the drug are considered to be decreased sexual desire and impotence, as well as a decrease in the amount of sperm released, which affects 1 to 10 patients out of 100. Some patients may also note symptoms such as increased heartbeat, liver problems, allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes, itching and swelling of tissues, pain in the testicles. In rare cases, ejaculation disorders were detected, pain in the enlarged mammary glands appeared.

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Androkur

An antiandrogenic drug that acts by blocking male sex hormone receptors. The active substance of the drug (cyproterone acetate) is similar in structure to testosterone and is able to bind to the corresponding tissue receptors. Thus, it reduces the effect of testosterone itself and its hydrolyzed derivative on target cells. The drug in different dosages is intended for the treatment of hirsutism, severe forms of seborrhea and acne, prostate cancer, and increased sexual desire. Among other things, the drug is actively used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia in women and men.

The doctor selects the dosage of the drug for alopecia individually (from 50 to 100 mg per day). The duration of the course of treatment depends on the observed results, but as soon as active hair growth begins, the dosage is halved and the patient is gradually transferred to natural products.

The fact is that Androcur, both in tablet and injection form, can negatively affect a man's sex life, reducing spermatogenesis and sexual activity, negatively affecting potency. However, these changes are reversible. Restoration of sexual functions occurs within a couple of months after discontinuing the drug.

Long-term use of the drug can also provoke breast enlargement and bone destruction (osteoporosis). However, the latter is one of the very rare side effects. In some cases, men complained of difficulty breathing and liver problems, weight fluctuations, and the development of depression associated with taking the pills.

The drug has a number of contraindications for use. It is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, liver diseases and tumors, Dubin-Johnson and Rotor syndromes, meningioma (including brain tumors in the anamnesis), serious depressive states, a tendency to thromboembolism.

Now it's time to talk about the drugs that are recommended to be prescribed in combination with antiandrogens, because a decrease in the activity of male hormones does not always contribute to active hair growth. Since the goal of treating baldness in men is not only to stop hair loss, but also to cause new hair growth, drugs are needed that can improve the condition of the scalp, nutrition and respiration of hair follicles so that they can reproduce new full-fledged hair.

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Minoxidil

One of the most popular drugs for the treatment of baldness in men, although the main indication for its use is arterial hypertension. It is a vasodilator designed to reduce pressure on the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the tissues of the body. Treatment of alopecia is considered a kind of side effect of the drug if it is used not internally, but externally in the form of a solution (aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic 2 or 5%). The alcohol solution is available in the form of sprays and can be called " Minoxidil ", "Generolon", "Revasil", etc.

Improved blood circulation in the scalp results in the hair follicle cells receiving more oxygen and nutrients. It turns out that antiandrogens inhibit the male hormone that prevents nutrients from entering the hair follicles, and Minoxidil additionally improves hair nutrition and respiration. This treatment regimen for antiandrogenic alopecia is considered the most relevant, while for other types of baldness, hair growth stimulants are prescribed as independent agents.

"Minoxidil" should be applied to the scalp in the area of baldness twice a day, every day, on a permanent basis. A 2% solution is used by both men and women. It is effective at an early stage of baldness, but the result can be seen again no earlier than 3-4 months after the start of treatment with daily procedures.

A 5% solution is used to treat moderate alopecia in men. It can also be prescribed if a 2% solution is ineffective. The effect of a more concentrated product occurs 2 times faster, but it can only be used in the parietal area, avoiding bald spots on the forehead and the hair growth line there. The use of the drug in genetic and focal forms of pathology has low efficiency.

For one procedure, you need to use 1 ml of the product, regardless of the size of the balding area and the degree of baldness. The scalp should be clean and dry before using the product. The liquid is applied to the central part of the bald spot (on the skin, not the hair) and gently rubbed into the skin, distributing it over the entire affected area. There is no need to wash off the medicine.

Stopping the use of a hair growth stimulator for androgenic alopecia most often leads to a resumption of hair loss during the first 4 months, so it is not recommended to interrupt the course of treatment for a long time, especially since Minoxidil, when applied locally, does not harm the body and does not affect its functioning. If after 16 weeks or more there are no changes, you need to look for other ways to combat the problem

Absorption of the drug when applied externally is minimal, so side effects are usually local. Most often, increased dryness of the skin at the site of application, the appearance of itching or the development of dermatitis, eczematous rashes or simple skin irritation are recorded. These symptoms are more typical of a concentrated alcohol solution.

A distinctive feature of the drug is the fact that it promotes the transition of hair from the telogen phase to the anagen phase, i.e. increased growth. This is associated with increased hair loss in the first days of using the product. Usually, this process lasts no more than 6-8 weeks and should not frighten a man, because the loss of old hair will be accompanied by the growth of new ones. If more than 2 months have passed and hair loss continues, a specialist consultation and revision of the prescription is necessary.

Doctors do not recommend using the drug if the skin and the whole body are highly sensitive to the components of the medicinal solution, as well as if there is redness, inflammation, wounds, burns on the scalp (especially when it comes to an alcohol solution). This solution is not recommended for use by people under 18 years of age. Women do not use the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nicotinic acid

Vitamins can be used as a hair growth stimulator and a full-fledged source of nutrients for the hair follicle. For example, nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or PP) has a vasodilatory effect similar to minoxidil, so it can be used with the same success for baldness in men.

It makes sense to use nicotinic acid for alopecia locally, like minoxidil, so preference should be given to the drug in ampoules containing a liquid solution of the vitamin. When applied to the scalp, nicotinamide will increase blood circulation, improving the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles. At the same time, the vitamin itself nourishes the hair follicles, stimulates the growth of new hair, enhances the synthesis of melanin, which is the prevention of early gray hair.

But treatment with nicotinic acid should be carried out with breaks, because an excess of vitamins is as harmful to the body as a deficiency. It is believed that a month-long course is enough for baldness, after which you need to take a break (it should be at least a month). Subsequently, the course of treatment is repeated.

The preparation (1 ampoule per day) should be applied only to the scalp where hair loss is observed, slightly going into the zone of normal growth. However, it is not recommended to store an opened ampoule, because when exposed to air, vitamin PP loses its healing properties.

Treatment with nicotinic acid is considered a budget option for combating baldness, because minoxidil preparations are 10-12 times more expensive than the vitamin preparation. But it should be taken into account that vitamin PP is a known allergen and can cause corresponding reactions of the immune system, so it is not recommended for allergy sufferers. It is also not advisable to use the drug for people with consistently high blood pressure, as well as for patients suffering from diabetes.

Side effects of nicotinic acid when applied locally usually come down to allergic reactions and reddening of the skin at the site of application. Less often, if the drug is used 2-3 times a day, gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness, and liver failure caused by the absorption of the drug into the blood through the skin are possible. It is not recommended to use vitamin B3 frequently and for a long time without breaks, since such treatment can have the opposite effect.

But it is important to understand that at the initial stage of baldness, when only a small part of the hair follicles is weakened, treatment with nicotinic acid will be effective, but with active hair loss, it is better to seek the help of special vitamin and mineral complexes. Such drugs will not only reduce the amount of hair loss, but also make them stronger and more resistant to negative external influences.

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Perfectil

A balanced vitamin and mineral complex that contains all the vitamins and microelements that are necessary for the skin, nails, and hair. It is prescribed both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in case of hypovitaminosis and mineral deficiency, and as part of complex therapy for various types of baldness in men, women, and children.

Each capsule of the preparation contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B10, B12, E, D3, C, beta-carotene, folic acid. The mineral composition of the preparation is represented by: iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, iodine, silicon, selenium, chromium. Additionally, the complex contains the amino acid cystine, which, along with cysteine, promotes hair growth and health, as well as burdock and echinacea extracts.

What is the effect of Perfectil? Thanks to its rich composition, it improves blood microcirculation in the skin, increases the level of hemoglobin (which means the blood carries more oxygen and delivers it to the hair follicles). The vitamin-mineral complex stimulates regenerative processes in cells and improves their metabolism.

The scalp and hair become more resistant to the effects of ultraviolet rays and free radicals, the removal of toxins from the body is accelerated, collagen production is stimulated, the condition of blood vessels improves, and therefore blood circulation in general. Plant extracts help relieve skin irritation, heal wounds, and strengthen hair roots.

It is recommended to take the drug in capsule form in the morning after breakfast, swallowing the capsule whole so that the contents do not irritate the gastric mucosa. Daily dose - 1 capsule. The course of treatment is 1 month with the possibility of repetition after some time.

The vitamin complex is well tolerated by most patients. In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible. But in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and hypervitaminosis (excess vitamins in the body), treatment is impossible, since it can worsen the patient's condition. Caution should also be exercised by those who have thyroid disorders.

If a man has started taking a multivitamin supplement, it is not recommended to use other supplements containing the same vitamins and minerals.

As we can see, drug therapy for male pattern baldness is a long process that requires a comprehensive approach and attention to the changes that occur. But you should not prescribe medications for yourself, even if we are talking about vitamin complexes. Only a specialist doctor can tell you, based on laboratory tests, which vitamins and minerals are lacking in the patient's body, and which medication will help correct the situation without causing an overdose that has negative consequences (for example, the same deterioration in hair growth).

Cosmetics in the fight against baldness

It must be said that early bald spots and bald patches are unlikely to please a young man, but not everyone is in a hurry to see a doctor with such a problem. Some try to hide the defects with a short haircut (preferably bald), while others, having watched TV commercials, place their hopes on medical and cosmetic and specialized hair washing products that are designed to combat dandruff, excessive dryness or oiliness of the skin, and also strengthen the hair from the roots along the entire length.

Baldness in men is a common situation, but everyone chooses for themselves how they want to solve this problem. If a guy does not consider hair correction a way out, then you need to look for treatments for pathological hair loss. But it is important to understand that cosmetic care products will give a good effect only in combination with medicinal and folk treatment based on herbs.

Doctors do not reject the effectiveness of many medical and cosmetic products. On the contrary, they may recommend some of them as an alternative or in addition to traditional treatment. But it is important to understand that such products are good for stimulating hair growth, but they are not able to solve the problem of excess sex hormones.

To combat alopecia, you can use various serums, elixirs, lotions, shampoos that contain special complexes that promote hair strengthening and growth. Good reviews on the Internet can be found about the following products:

• Elixir for strengthening and hair growth Natural Thin To Thick from the American cosmetic company Jason Natural Cosmetics, which contains a complex of vitamins, aloe extract, natural warming components that enhance blood circulation and metabolism in tissues (cloves and ginger), lecithin, menthol, salicylic acid.

The product is used once a day at night and washed off in the morning. According to reviews, the elixir improves the condition of the scalp and increases hair growth, but it cannot completely solve the problem of hair loss, since it does not affect the activity of male sex hormones.

• Ducray Anastim Concentrate Anti-hair loss Lotion made in France. This product has a good effect in the treatment of hair loss caused by the impact of negative environmental factors, stress and deficiency of important vitamins and minerals, but it can also be used in the recovery period after treatment with antiandrogens, because the product contains saw palmetto extract, similar in action to antiandrogens.

The main active ingredients of the lotion are considered to be the ester of vitamins E and B3 (tocopherol nicotinate), biotin (stimulates hair keratinization), neoruscin (improves microcirculation), and a special patented hair growth stimulator GP4G.

The lotion should be applied three times a week, using 2.5 ml of the product, which is applied to the affected areas of the scalp and lightly rubbed in. The course of treatment is designed for 2 months.

It must be said that with a mild degree of baldness, such treatment brings good results, but the lotion does not solve complex genetic and hormonal problems.

• Minomax lotion is a product based on the patented unique hair growth stimulator minoxidine (the product contains 5%), developed by German scientists, and biotin. The lotion also contains plant extracts of burdock and nettle, used for centuries to strengthen hair, vitamin A, caffeine (scientists have proven that regular coffee can penetrate to the hair roots and neutralize the effect of dihydrotestosterone), saw palmetto fruit extract and azelaic acid - substances with identical action.

This product not only helps to increase hair growth, but also to combat the cause of hair loss on par with drugs used in traditional alopecia treatment regimens, because its components provide a versatile effect on hair follicles. An important advantage of the Minomax lotion is the absence of a hormonal base, because hormones are considered far from safe drugs.

It is believed that "Minomaks" is able to cope with both the problem of thinning and hair loss if it is used twice a day, 1 ml at a time, applied to the scalp and lightly rubbed in. In favor of its effectiveness speaks not only the composition of the drug and the assurances of the manufacturer, but also the fact that the lotion is sold in pharmacies, in non-cosmetic stores.

• Spectral DNC-L lotion is considered one of the most powerful hair growth stimulants, therefore it is used to treat 4 and subsequent stages of baldness in men and women. The creamy product for the treatment of alopecia contains a complex of 5 powerful hair growth stimulants of various natures:
  • 4.5% minoxidil,
  • phytosterols (olive, saw palmetto, flax seed extracts),
  • Procyanide B-2, found in green apple extract,
  • patented complex Aminexil SP94 (reduces hair loss, makes hair thicker, reduces the formation of fibrous tissue around the hair follicle),
  • A powerful stimulant developed by Japanese scientists Adenosine.

In addition to growth stimulants, the lotion contains: the amino acid arginine, copper peptides that have an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibit the effect of dihydrotestosterone, vitamin A, the antifungal component piroctone olamine, emu oil, a vitamin complex, extracts of pepper, ivy, and hops.

The product should be used twice a day, applying 4 portions to the fingers and rubbing them into the skin in the bald area. The minimum course of application of the lotion is 3 months.

The rich composition of the lotion ensures its effectiveness in the treatment of severe forms of baldness, but it can also be dangerous for people under 18 years of age and patients with serious heart and vascular diseases.

We have described several of the most popular and effective medical and cosmetic products that are recommended by doctors as a way to combat the problem of baldness and are equivalent in their action to medications. But in addition to medical procedures for alopecia, it is important to pay attention to daily hair care. For example, doctors do not set limits on the number of cleansing procedures for the head per week, but in order to ensure proper care for skin and hair prone to loss, they recommend using specialized shampoos that will support the action of drugs.

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Shampoos

It is important to understand that shampoos are a hygienic care product, not a cure for baldness in men. However, a properly selected shampoo plays a major role in the condition of the scalp and can promote more active hair growth. A man can use both universal products and special men's shampoos. If the line of detergents of the company used has distinctions by skin type, it is also important to take them into account.

Let's see what shampoos can be used as a care product for active hair loss in the stronger sex.

Budget universal means:

• Burdock shampoo. It contains the popular burdock oil, which has long been used to strengthen hair and maintain its strength. This cleanser can be used with equal success by both men and women. It does not matter what the name of the cleanser is, but if it contains burdock oil or burdock extract, it will definitely be useful for various hair problems. If hair thinning is not caused by genetics or hormonal factors, such a shampoo will have a therapeutic effect after eliminating the cause of baldness and will help restore the original appearance of the hair (and sometimes improve it).
• Tar shampoo. Another universal remedy, useful for its properties to improve blood supply to hair follicles and metabolism in scalp tissues, have an antiseptic effect and normalize hair oiliness, make hairs denser and stronger, enhancing their growth.
• Onion shampoo. It works on the principle of an onion mask, which is sometimes used by women, but has a less pronounced onion aroma. In addition to onion extract, the product contains birch extract. It also contains burdock and chamomile extracts, which are used in folk medicine to treat and increase the strength of hair. Ideal for any gender and age, although the aroma can be a hindrance.
• Washing products for head and body from the series "Agafia's First Aid Kit". In the line of hair cleansers of the above-mentioned series there is also a shampoo with tar, which we wrote about above. But there is also a special product that prevents early hair loss, which contains extracts of calamus root and flax seed, as well as keratin, which is considered a building material for hairs and nails. This is a good natural remedy for the prevention of alopecia, which can be used to prevent further hair loss during and after the course of treatment.
• Shampoo by Biokon for strengthening hair roots. The product contains leech and red pepper extract (stimulates blood flow and metabolism) and is enriched with B vitamins. The shampoo contains silk proteins, rosehip ether and zinc. Despite the rich composition, the effect of using the shampoo must be waited for several months.

Now let's take a look at more expensive shampoos that contain special patented complexes and additives that help with the problem of hair loss:

• Shampoo Kora (strengthens hair, used against hair loss). In its composition we find: pyridoxine, amino acid arginine, keratin, panthenol, betaine. It is also rich in natural plant components: macadamia oil, rich in vitamins B and E, carrot extracts, ginger, Japanese pagoda tree, calamus roots. According to reviews of those who have tested the effect of the shampoo on themselves, it really stops early hair loss. After using it, itching and dandruff go away, hair becomes less dry and stronger, begins to shine and glow with health.
• Klorane shampoo. Contains quinine and B vitamins. Has an antiseborrheic effect. Strengthens hair follicles, thereby reducing the amount of hair loss.
• Rene Furterer Forticea Stimulating Shampoo. Contains plant peptides, orange, lavender, verbena, and rosemary esters. If the detergent is used in combination with strengthening serums of the same series, then after three to four months you can notice a very decent effect, regardless of how much the hair was damaged.
• Lanotech shampoo for hair regeneration and growth enhancement by Thompson LABS. Contains arginine. Menthol and tea tree oil act as aromatic and strengthening components. It has antiseptic properties, enhances blood circulation in the affected area, improves nutrition of hair follicles, strengthens them. The shampoo can promote hair growth and the appearance of new, young hairs.
• Clear shampoo against hair loss. The popular brand has a special line of shampoos for the stronger sex. The shampoo, used to treat dandruff and hair loss, contains ginseng extract and a special nutritional complex Nutrium 10. At the same time, Clear, in terms of strengthening hair and preventing its active loss, according to reviews, is an order of magnitude higher than some other popular brands (Head & Shoulders, L'Oréal, etc.).
• Alerana Shampoo. In terms of popularity in connection with alopecia, these products (and there are several of them) actually occupy the highest step of the pedestal. Particular attention should be paid to the shampoo for men called "Alerana Hair Growth Activator". Alerana shampoos contain many natural components that promote hair strengthening and growth. These are extracts of plants such as chestnut, burdock and nettle, tea tree ether, poppy oil, wheat proteins, as well as such important components as panthenol and lecithin. Like specialized drugs to combat hair thinning, they first increase hair loss and then promote the growth of new ones.

Professional medicated shampoos for baldness in men:

• Shampoo "Rinofoltil". The product, containing an improved formula, is considered one of the best shampoos for early hair loss, even in the case of androgenic alopecia. The shampoo contains: extracts of nasturtium, dwarf saw palmetto (has an antiandrogenic effect), cinchona, wheat proteins, various useful amino acids, zinc, caffeine, panthenol. The strength and elasticity of growing hairs should be provided by collagen and elastin. The shampoo belongs to the category of therapeutic and prophylactic, therefore it is used in courses.
• Shampoo "Selencin" Hair Therapy. This medicinal and cosmetic hair cleanser contains nettle and burdock extracts, caffeine, menthol, biotin, collagen. Shampoo action: increases the life cycle of hairs, prevents their premature loss and enhances growth, heals hair follicles and saturates them with useful substances. The best effect can be achieved by using the shampoo in combination with tablets from the same company.
• Vichy shampoo "Dercos with aminexil". In addition to aminexil, which strengthens hair follicles, the product contains the amino acid arginine and the soothing component panthenol. Makes hair thicker and stronger, reducing the amount of hair loss already in the first weeks of use.
• Dermatological shampoo Fitoval, solving the problems of hair loss and thinning. Contains arnica and rosemary extracts, wheat peptides, glycogen. Apply for 2-3 months 3 times a week for severe hair loss and growth disorders. For the treatment of various types of alopecia, it is recommended to use in combination with lotion (horse chestnut extract, xymenic and lauric acid, the latter is an antiandrogen) and Fitoval capsules. The capsules contain: yeast, cystine, biotin, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, as well as iron, folic acid, copper and zinc.
• Stimulating shampoo-cream for hair Ducray Anaphase with a complex of B vitamins and high efficiency against hair loss. Trichologists note a good therapeutic effect with the simultaneous use of Anaphase shampoo, Anastim concentrate and capsules of the dietary supplement Anacaps from Ducray.
• Kerastase Specifique Aminexil pharmacy shampoo, spray and ampoules against hair loss. Approved for daily use. Significantly reduces the amount of hair loss, especially if the products are used in combination.

If desired, you can find more than one shampoo, lotion, serum, concentrate or other remedy for hair loss, which, along with drug therapy, can stop early baldness in men. But you need to understand that there can be no universal recommendations here. You will have to choose the shampoo individually by trial and error, because even an expensive professional shampoo can show different results in different people.