Male Hair Loss Treatments

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia is caused by genetics. Excessive amounts of testosterone which is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) will effect hair follicles and cause them to shrink, shorten, weaken and cause loss of pigment. Hair growth can stop altogether.

Male Hair Loss Treatments

There are several male hair loss treatments on the market at the moment and we shall look at each one. It is best to intervene with a treatment sooner rather than later as most male hair loss treatments do not work on dead hair follicles. It is also suggested that you consult your general practitioner before engaging in any male hair loss treatment program!

1. Propecia

The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride and this works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which is overall responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Once the hair follicles are exposed to reduced levels of DHT they can enlarge back to normal and become healthy again.

Propecia is a male hair loss treatment that is taken orally once a day. It has been proven to work in 80% of cases, the success rate typically increases the earlier you begin using it and results should begin to show between 3 – 6 months. It has to be taken as an on going process, once you stop taking it the results will reverse. It is quite expensive so shop around for better deals. Don’t buy Propecia online as there are many fakes, but go through your normal chemist.

Propecia is a male hair loss treatment and is not intended to be handled by females as this can cause risks to pregnancy. It has been noted that some patients have exhibited side effects of itching and scratching.

2. Rogaine/Regaine

Also known as Minoxidil, it was originally used orally as a treatment for hypertension when it was found that a side effect was hair growth. Minoxidil is marketed in the US as Rogaine and outside the US as Regaine. The mechanism of action is believed to be due to its vasodilator effect which causes the opening up of the blood vessels on the scalp which allows more oxygen, blood and nutrient flow to the hair follicles. This in turn promotes hair growth.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment meaning that it needs to be applied directly to the effected area of the scalp. It needs to be continued otherwise the effects will wear off. It must be noted that Minoxidil works best on the central vertex area of the head, meaning that if you’re suffering from a receding hair line then this is probably not the treatment for you. Noted side effects include an itchy scalp and dandruff.

Globally, Minoxidil is the most widely used male hair loss treatment.

3. Procerin

The active ingredient in Procerin is saw palmetto, a type of berry which works by blocking DHT formation. Procerin slows down the hair loss process and also promotes the growth of new hair. Procerin is the best selling natural male hair loss treatment on the market at this time.

Taking Procerin is a two part process taken orally via tablets and a foam taken topically to the scalp. As the active ingredient targets the DHT derivative of testosterone, Procerin is intended for male use only. Noted side effects which have been rarely reported include mild stomach aches. In addition mild scalp irritation has been reported due to the foam, however this is easily solved by using it less frequently.

Like all male hair loss treatments Procerin needs to be taken on a permanent basis, however some men have reported no loss of hair after discontinuing use.