Medications

Minoxidil (generic for Rogaine®) was discovered in the 1980s as an effective medication for hair restoration. It is available over the counter in a two-and-a-five-percent solution and is known to stimulate hair growth and decrease thinning of hair. It alters some of the miniaturizations that occur as a person goes through the hair loss process.

Minoxidil can be used in both men and women and is thought to be more effective in women in some cases. In one study, Rogaine® was shown to regrow hair in 85% of men when used twice a day (after four months). With regular use, the fine, miniaturized hair strand looks thicker and stronger.*

For many patients, topical minoxidil (Rogaine) leaves the scalp itchy and the surrounding hair oily, making it difficult to be consistent with the treatment. An alternative treatment offered at Sacramento Hair Doctor is low-dose oral minoxidil. This has all the benefits of topical Rogaine without the messiness of a topical formula on the scalp.

It is well tolerated by most patients, and results are seen as soon as three months after starting to take it. The benefits of oral minoxidil are that it is relatively safe and effective and can help to thicken existing hair. It works in conjunction with finasteride (Propecia), so both medications can be taken together.

If you are experiencing thinning hair, it is important that you consult with an expert like Dr. Prasad to see if a therapy involving low-dose oral minoxidil is right for you.

Finasteride (generic for Propecia) is an oral medication that slows hair loss and, in many cases, stimulates new hair growth if taken regularly. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and is therefore known as a DHT-blocker.

DHT is the hormone in the follicles that is responsible for initiating and continuing androgenetic hair loss. By taking finasteride regularly, the levels of DHT are decreased and the progression of hair loss is halted.

You will know in three months if you are benefiting from taking Propecia. The effects should be visible by twelve months, and if not, then further treatment may not be helpful.* If you discontinue Propecia, you will likely lose any gains you have made.

This medication is not used for pre-menopausal women.

This is an oral medication that may be effective in women experiencing hair loss, especially women with a high testosterone level or with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It seems to work by “blunting” the effect of testosterone and decreasing the associated hair loss.

Many fiber products are sprinkled on the scalp to camouflage thinning hair. The most common product is “Toppik™.” This is very helpful in hiding the amount of hair loss but is not the best long-term solution because most patients find it to be somewhat messy.

There are also several sprays and dyes that can be applied to the scalp, to create a camouflage for hair loss. For some men with strong genetic influences and aggressive hair loss, these camouflage products may be the only long-term solution.