The Effects of Propecia & Minoxidil

Baldness is a condition that affects between 50 to 80 percent of men and 20 to 40 percent of women. The most common form is known as Androgentic Alopecia or pattern baldness. Pattern baldness occurs due to hair follicles response to androgenic hormones (testosterone and DHT) causing the follicles to reduce in size and have little to no growth phase. There are several effective treatments available such as oral medications like Propecia and topical solutions like Minoxidil.

Propecia

Propecia, also known as Finasteride or Proscar, is an oral prescription medication that was originally taken for treatment of benign enlarged prostate. Propecia works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which works to transform testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the male hormone that acts on hair follicles, skin and prostate tissue. Propecia keeps the level of DHT lower, which reduces the occurrence of enlarged prostate and also decreases the occurrence of male patterned baldness. For men in the early stages of losing their hair, Propecia can be effective in slowing the hair loss and even stimulating new hair growth. Because this medication works on the male hormones, it cannot be taken by women and can induce genetic defects in fetuses.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is available as either a two percent or five percent topical solution. This product is available over-the-counter and is for use in both men and women. Rogaine stimulates hair growth in about 30 percent of the patients who use it, but the exact mechanism of action is not known. Minoxidil has shown to be slightly more effective in women than in men.

Together

Both Minoxidil and Propecia are more effective in stimulating hair growth in the central areas of the scalp, not on the frontal areas that may be affected by a "receding hairline." These treatments can be used together to enhance the hair growth effects. However, they should not be started at the same time because when hair growth occurs you will not know which medication is responsible for the growth. Since Minoxidil is only effective in 30 percent of the population, it might be beneficial to begin Propecia first, however, always follow the advice and treatment of your doctor.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of both Propecia and Minoxidil is that once you take them and see positive results, they must be continued. If you discontinue use, the new hair will stop growing and the baldness will return. Propecia can take up to eight months to see any positive results, so patience is necessary and since it does not work in everyone that is quite a long time to take a prescription medication without knowing if it is going to be effective.

Alternatives

If you find that these medical treatments are not effective, there are several other treatments available. Depending on the cause of your hair loss cortisone injections directly into the scalp can be effective in helping to stimulate new hair growth. Anthralin, also called Drithro-scalp, is a tarry topical substance that is typically used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis but has shown effective in stimulating hair growth. There are also surgical treatments available including hair transplant surgery and scalp surgery.

References

• The Mayo Clinic
• International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery