Does rogaine/minoxidil work effectively? How about propecia/finasteride? The doctor gives insights
Medical therapy for male pattern hair loss comes down to 2 options. One is rogaine, the
generic is minoxidil. Minoxidil was originally used for the treatment of high blood pressure
and a physician observed hair growth as a side effect from use of the drug. The drug
is a vasodilator which mean it can increase blood flow to an area, however the specific
mechanism of how minoxidil stimulates hair growth remains unclear. Minoxidil does not
stop hair loss but it does appear to stimulate growth of existing hair and prolong the growth
cycle of thinning hairs. Propecia or the generic finasteride is an oral medication which blocks
an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase. 5 alpha reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone
to dihydrotestosterone or DHT. A percentage of men with male pattern hair loss have hair
follicle susceptible to DHT which causes a process called miniaturization of their hair.
By blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or DHT can result in
slowing down the progression of male pattern hair loss. Unfortunately, several medical
studies have established concern about permanent sexual dysfunction from taking finasteride.
Many people concerned about these side effects have come to our practice for a unique treatment
we developed called Hair Regeneration. Hair Regeneration is a treatment using a material
called extracellular matrix which is combined with a concentration of healing factors from
your own blood called platelet rich plasma or PRP. We have successfully helped close
to 100% of men with male pattern hair loss with a single treatment without the need for
ongoing medical therapy. With 3-5 years of data from hundreds of patients from around
the world the sustainable benefit of this single treatment has been proven successfully.
It’s very important to learn about your options as soon as you notice hair loss. The
benefits of medical therapy or a treatment like Hair Regeneration can make the most difference
for you the earlier you get treated.