Oral DHT blocker & Minoxidil as Solutions for Hair Loss
Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan. Currently, there are two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared treatments for hair loss: Oral DHT blocker and Minoxidil. Oral DHT blocker for Male Hair Loss Oral DHT blocker is a prescription oral medication that works as a DHT blocker, preventing hair loss associated with excess levels of the hormone DHT. It has been proven to treat male pattern hair loss, with studies indicating that over 80 percent of men taking the medication do not experience further hair loss (Leffell, 2000). The medication has not yet been cleared for use in women. Minoxidil (Rogaine) for Male and Female Hair Loss Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp twice daily. It is the only hair loss medication that is approved and effective for both men and women. It works by stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth. Minoxidil is sold over the counter in varying concentrations (2%, 5%). Side effects of the drug include itching and scaling of the scalp. Which Medication is Better for My Hair Loss? Both treatments work best for younger men who are beginning to lose their hair. Both treatments treat the crown area (top of the head) best. Minoxidil has been shown to effectively treat hairline thinning in women. It is also effective for treatment of hair loss in menopausal women (Leffell, 2000). References: Leffell, D. J. (2000). Total Skin: The Definitive Guide to Whole Skin Care For Life. New York: Hyperion.
Normal Hair Cycle and It Changes with Hair Loss
Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan. Hair Cycle Phases in Normal Hair Growth In normal hair growth, our hair follicles go through several distinct phases: Anagen: Also known as hair growth. During what is considered the active stage of the hair cycle, new hair is being formed that pushes club hair (hair that is not in the anagen phase) up and out of the follicle. Hair in the stage can remain there for 2-6 years. Catagen: During catagen, hair growth stops. Club hair begins to form. Hair in this stage can remain in this transitional phase for 2-3 weeks. Telogen: Also known as the resting phase. During this stage, the hair follicle is at rest and the club hair is fully formed. Hair in this phase remains there for about 100 days (“Hair Loss: The Science of Hair”, 2010). How The Hair Cycle is Related to Hair Loss Normally, approximately 90% of our hair follicles undergo the anagen phase, 1% catagen, and 9% telogen. However, in pattern hair loss, there is an imbalance in how our hair cycles through the phases. As a result, the length of the anagen phase decreases. The proportion of hairs in the catagen/telogen phases increases, leading to an increase in the production of finer, shorter hairs and can ultimately progress to total hair loss (Whiting, 2002). References: (2010, March 1). Hair Loss: The Science of Hair. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/science-hair#2 Whiting, D. A. (2002). Male pattern hair loss: current understanding. Wiley Online Library, 37, 561-566. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-4362.1998.00542.x
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): What is its role in hair loss?
Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan. What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and how is it related to hair loss? DHT is a sex hormone, modified from testosterone. Excess levels of DHT can cause hair loss by limiting the blood supply to hair follicles. With restricted blood supply to the follicles, the hair growth cycle can become so shortened that new hairs are unable to be generated. DHT is not the only cause of hair loss. Nonetheless, genetic sensitivity to this hormone can make some people more susceptible to hair loss. How can we lower DHT levels and prevent further hair loss? DHT blockers are drugs that block the formation of DHT in the body and be used as treatment for hair loss. These drugs contribute to regrowth of hair on the scalp. DHT blockers are found in hair loss medications.
Causes and Solutions to Women’s Hair Loss
Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan. Approximately a third of women will experience hair loss (also known as alopecia) in their lifetimes and as many as two-thirds of postmenopausal women will experience hair thinning or bald spots. Alopecia can drastically impact a woman’s emotional well-being and quality of living. Causes of Female Hair Loss Hair loss in women can be caused by various reasons. The risk for hair loss increases with age, and is also increased in women with a family history of hair loss. Medical conditions, certain medications, and iron deficiency could all contribute to alopecia. One form of behavioral hair loss in women is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by unnecessary and prolonged stress/tension on the hair. This can happen with tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids as well as unconscious and continual plucking or pulling of the hair due to stress. Treatments Available for Women’s Hair Loss Medications for Hair: Alopecia in women can be treated with medications. Minoxidil is widely used for women experiencing hair loss (link to our Minoxidil blog article). In a double-blind study comparing the effectiveness of 5% topical minoxidil, 2% topical minoxidil, and a placebo, women aged 18-49 reported greater hair growth with the Minoxidil compared to the placebo. Assessment of hair count also showed statistical significance (Lucky et al., 2004). Laser Cap Light Therapy: Laser cap light therapy is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment. It works by slowing down hair loss of the scalp and stimulating hair follicles to produce stronger, thicker hair. Hair Transplant Surgery: The most effective way to treat hair loss is by grafting and implanting hair follicles to the thinning and balding areas. References: Lucky, A. W., Piacquadio, D. J., Ditre, C. M., Dunlap, F., Kantor, I., Pandya, A. G., … Tharp, M. D. (2004). A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 50, 541-553. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2003.06.014
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