Hair-Loss Prevention: Treatment and Procedures for Thinning or Lost Hair

Shiny, thick, lustrous hair is a beauty to behold, but let's face the facts; approximately 50% of our male population, and 25% of our female population, suffers from some form of hair loss. This condition is not limited to the advancement of age, it can start with early adolescence leading to baldness by the time a person reaches their late 20s.

With the advancement of modern science we no longer have to accept our hair loss gracefully. There are many products that are able to reverse the balding process as well as procedures that can restore a full head of hair.

Aldactone (spironolactone) is a prescription drug that has been used primarily to treat high blood pressure. It has been discovered that at higher doses it is effective in stopping hair loss in women, but little effect in hair regrowth.

Since Aldactone is a testosterone inhibitor, it can cause sexual dysfunction and breast enlargement in men therefore it is not used as a treatment for male pattern baldness.

Aldactone, due to its ability to retain potassium, should be used with caution, as potassium levels could rise, putting the individual at risk of hyperkalemia which is a life threatening condition. This drug should only be used under a doctors close supervision.

The most common preventative hair loss medication, available over-the-counter, without a prescription, is topical minoxidil. This form of treatment is available for both men and women.

The drug was first used to treat high blood pressure, but was found to increase hair growth. Minoxidil treats the bald patch on the back part of the head associated with male pattern baldness for men, and for women it stimulates hair growth on the front part of the head.

Topical minoxidil should not be used if you have heart failure or coronary heart disease, due to absorption through the scalp, which could lead to lowered blood pressure, increased heart rate and fluid retention. Individuals with high blood pressure should use minoxidil with caution.

Other side effects of topical minoxidil include: scalp irritation, itch, hives and contact dermatitis, swelling and sensitivity.

The medication propecia (finasteride), available from your pharmacist with a prescription, is an oral medication that blocks the formation of hormones that are responsible for hair loss in men. Propecia is not to be used by, or exposed to women of child bearing years due to a birth defect that develops in male fetuses.

Propecia has a reputation of causing sexual side effects including erectile dysfunction.

Avodart (dutasteride) is another drug available from your pharmacist with a prescription. Avodart is dispensed in capsule form and has shown dramatic results at reversing male pattern baldness. This drug, similar to the drug propecia, works with hormone levels in men to reverse hair loss.

Side effects of Avodart include sexual dysfunction such as impotence and lack of sexual desire. These effects will diminish as your body adjusts to the drug.

Each of these medications work exceptionally well for hair regrowth. You should take into careful consideration the severity of the side effects before you choose one of these products. Be advised also that once you regain a full head of hair, if you should discontinue use of the medication, any new hair regrowth will gradually fall out again.

Hair transplant surgery involves removing small grafts of skin containing hair follicles from the back of the head where the hair is resistant to thinning. These small pieces of skin are then grafted to the areas of scalp where you are experiencing baldness. During the healing process much of this hair will fall out, but will grow back once the graft has healed. The results will be a full head of your own natural hair.

Surgical hair transplant is the most logical choice for permanent restoration of hair loss. It is more cost efficient, as compared to buying medications, month after month in order to keep what hair growth you have gained. There are also very few harmful side effects.

Fortunately, with so many hair restoration products on the market, and with many different surgical and non-surgical options to choose from we are no longer forced to live with hair loss. The final decision is left to the individual. Whatever is decided, always do your research and weigh your options carefully, before you take action.

sources:

http:// www.medicinenet.com

http:// www.webmd.com

http:// www.americanhairloss.org