Hair loss non-surgical treatment options: drugs

Both of the drugs that are currently medically approved treatments for hair loss were discovered by accident rather than design. Minoxidil was first discovered in the 1970’s and taken as a tablet for high blood pressure. It was subsequently noted that some men and women who were taking this drug found that their hair was growing more quickly than previously and some patients even saw some re-growth in thinning areas of their scalp, as a side effect of treatment. Propecia has been used since the 1990’s as a treatment for prostate problems in men. Again, as a side effect, new hair growth was noted by some men taking the drug. The companies that marketed these products then proceeded to set up the clinical trials necessary to be granted a medical licence for the treatment of hair loss by proving that the drugs were safe and effective.

Minoxidil (UK brand name Regaine®)

Minoxidil is a drug that was developed for one particular medical use, and that was as a tablet to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. However, a different version of minoxidil was developed for hair loss and is applied directly to the areas affected in the form of a solution. It does not have any direct affect on the patient’s hormones which are responsible for androgenetic alopecia (or male pattern baldness). It is not clear exactly how minoxidil works, but it may be that improved blood flow to hair follicles has a part to play in its effect.

Finasteride (UK brand name Propecia®)

Finasteride was originally developed for the treatment of enlarged prostates in men. This treatment is taken in tablet form and has a specific effect on an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase which can produce high levels of DHT causing subsequent hair loss. There are two main types of this enzyme. One is found in the oil glands of the skin and the other is found in the hair follicles, read more