Effectiveness in stimulating hair growth and preventing additional hair loss can be achieved through a combination of minoxidil and finasteride as hair loss treatment.
What is Hair loss?
Hair loss, or alopecia, can occur on the head or any part of the body. Typically, people shed 50-100 hairs daily, with new ones replacing them unnoticed. Hair loss becomes an issue when new hair fails to grow back, whether temporarily or permanently, due to genetics, hormones, health conditions, or aging. Although it affects both genders, it’s more prevalent in men.
The types of hair loss
Types of hair loss include gradual thinning on the scalp’s top (often permanent), leading to receding hairlines in men and wider parts in women. Temporary hair loss involves thinning hair. Medications, health issues, or infections can cause other types of hair loss.
The Causes Of Hair Loss
Various factors contribute to hair loss, including:
– Family history, which follows a pattern (male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss).
– Hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems.
– Medical conditions related to the immune system or scalp infections causing localized hair loss or bald spots.
– Medications, such as those for cancer, arthritis, or depression, with hair loss as a side effect.
– Excessive hair styling or aggressive treatments may lead to hair loss
If an individual is losing hair due to medications, medical problems, or infections it can often be reversed once the underlying issue is addressed.
Treatments For Hair Loss
The treatment options for hair loss can differ based on the underlying causes of the hair loss. There are different hair loss treatments for women and men. Combining treatments can prove to be effective in stimulating hair growth and preventing further hair loss.
In certain cases, multiple factors combine to lead to hair loss. There are step by step treatment add ons to combat hair loss. The options include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride and surgical procedures for hair regrowth.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the first line topical treatment in both males and females. It’s available in foam and topical solution form. It is available in different strengths and should be applied to areas of hair loss twice a day for several months for noticeable results.
Finasteride
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia. The tablet strength starts from Finasteride 1mg and is taken once a day. It may take a few months to a year before results can be evident.
Combining Topical Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride
Hair loss is a common concern for many individuals, and while there are other treatments, combining Minoxidil with Finasteride to treat hair loss has proven effective. They work through different mechanisms. Minoxidil is a topical solution that promotes hair growth on the scalp surface and finasteride reduces dihydrotestosterone levels.
Combining them together produces faster results than used individually. It also helps with hair density. Minoxidil helps prevent further hair loss and stimulates new growth. Meanwhile Finasteride addresses the hormonal imbalance with pattern hair loss.
Request a combination treatment now
Is combining medications useful?
Individuals may not respond or gain desired results with one medication. Combining minoxidil and finasteride will increase the chance of success and satisfaction, especially in individuals where reasons for hair loss include both genetic and hormonal factors.
Other alternatives:
If Minoxidil or Finasteride cause problems like allergic reaction, adverse effects or have potential drug interactions, there are other options to consider. These include microneedling (using tiny needles to boost hair growth), steroid injections in bald areas to promote regrowth, laser therapy, and hair transplants.
Some people may have trouble with side effects which include dryness, itchiness and recurring dandruff. Individuals should consult a doctor or pharmacist for any concerns they have in their hair loss journey.
Consult a doctor
Resources:
Alopecia – causes and treatment | healthdirect
Treatments | Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (aaaf.org.au)
