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Medications Used in Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is a serious problem seen in both men and women today. While hair loss in women is caused by hormonal reasons, B vitamins and iron deficiency, hair loss in men is mostly genetic. Hair loss in men is caused by a type of hair loss called androgenetic alopecia. If you have a family history of hair loss, you may also have hair loss. Hair loss in men generally reaches its highest levels in the 20-30s and starts to decrease after the 40s.

There are many treatment methods that can be applied for hair loss. Today, treatment methods for hair loss are known as herbal products, laser treatment, FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride, PRP, mesotherapy, stem cells and AGF-39. Finasteride and minoxidil are among the most proven drugs in hair loss. It is wondered what effects these two drugs, which we will talk about in detail in the article, have in the treatment of hair loss. This article, where you will reach the desired answer, will eliminate the question marks in your head. Let’s start if you are ready.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil contains stimulants for hair growth. It is a proven drug in the treatment of hair loss. The drug is sold in the form of liquid spray, foam or shampoo. Minoxidil is a drug that should be used regularly at least 1 time a day. The drug should definitely be used regularly and should not be interrupted. Minoxidil starts to show its effect 15 days after it is started to be used. The drug affects hair loss within at least 6 months. This period determined by experts is the healthiest time interval for those who want to see the effect of the drug.

Does Minoxidil grow new hair?

No, minoxidil does not grow new hair. However, when you use it regularly and continuously, you can see that your hair does not fall out. You can use Minoxidil medicine 1 or 2 times a day according to your doctor’s recommendation. Generally, it is recommended to use at least 1 time a day. Minoxidil is used in liquid form. In this way, you can spray it directly on the sparse or balding areas in your hair. You need to distribute the liquid you spray on your hair by massaging.

Minoxidil may not be suitable for everyone as it is a drug that should be used regularly. When you do not use the drug regularly, its effect will decrease over time.

What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an effective method to stop hair loss. However, the presence of side effects makes careful use mandatory. After you start using minoxidil, you may experience dandruff, crusting, dryness and lifelessness on your scalp. In addition, hair loss is seen in the first weeks of minoxidil use. However, this occurs while the scalp gets used to the drug.

After the scalp gets used to the drug, the hair loss ends. The side effects of minoxidil affect the way many people view the medicine. Minoxidil is usually prepared together with magistal cures. In other words, it contains minoxidil. However, there are also substances that reduce the side effects of minoxidil. The application of these substances, called majistral formulations, will be a healthier decision for you.

The most striking of the disadvantages of minoxidil is that the person who stops using the drug experiences intense hair loss. Minoxidil is an intolerant drug that must be applied regularly. You need to apply a certain amount of medicated spray to your hair every day. After stopping the application, intense hair loss can be seen. In this respect, those suffering from hair loss should be very careful in the use of Minoxidil.

Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

Finasteride is a medicine used in tablet form and taken by mouth. Finasteride stops the release of the hormone DHT, which triggers hair loss. However, Finasteride does not grow new hair as in Minoxidil. It mostly stops hair loss.

One of the negative aspects of Finasteride is that hair loss continues when you stop using it, as in Minoxidil. Therefore, it is essential to be regular in the use of Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Finasteride is easy to use because it is an oral medicine. Finasteride, like minoxidil, is a drug that requires daily use. You need to wait at least 3 months to see the effect. Finasteride, unlike minoxidil, is sold by prescription. The medicine can be taken according to the doctor’s advice. In the hair examination by the doctor; factors such as hair type, gender, hormonal status, skin diseases or other health problems or stress are examined. The source of hair loss is determined and the duration and amount of medication is determined.

Does Finasteride grow new hair?

No Finasteride does not grow new hair. Finastreid, just like Minoxidil, is a type of medicine that prevents hair loss and strengthens hair follicles. Finasteride mostly eliminates the factors that cause hair loss.

You should prefer to use Finasteride and Minoxidil together according to your doctor’s recommendation. On the other hand, you can use only 1 medicine. Your doctor may recommend you to use Minoxidil or Finasteride after hair transplant. Minoxidil is recommended to be used 2-3 months after hair transplant, while Finasteride can be used immediately after hair transplant as it is an oral drug.

Hair, beard and eyebrow transplant is performed at Hair Center of Turkey Health Centre under the supervision of experienced specialists. If you are experiencing hair loss, complaining of sparse or bald scalp, you can apply online. You can ask any questions about the transplant process to the consultants of Hair Center of Turkey.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

There are many types of medicines used in the treatment of hair loss. The most commonly used medicines are as follows:

Minoxidil: It is a medicine that is applied topically to the hair and helps to stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. It can be used by both men and women.
Finasteride: A medication taken by mouth and used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). It helps to stop hair loss and promote new hair growth by blocking the production of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Dutasteride: A medication that works similarly to finasteride and is used to treat male pattern hair loss. It is thought to be more effective by blocking DHT production even more.
Spironolactone: A medication that works by blocking the action of androgen hormones and is used to treat hormonal hair loss in women. It is also used to treat acne.
Oral Contraceptives: Drugs that work by reducing the production of androgen hormones and are used to treat hormonal hair loss in women.

Hair loss medicines may have some side effects. The most common side effects are:

Minoxidil: Itching, irritation, scalp redness, increased facial hair.
Finasteride: Sexual reluctance, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness.
Dutasteride: In addition to the same side effects as finasteride, abnormal liver function tests.
Spironolactone: Menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances.
Oral Contraceptives: Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, changes in vaginal discharge.

It may take several months to see the effect of hair loss medication. It is important to use the medication regularly to get the best results.

For hair loss medication to work, it is usually necessary to continue treatment for at least 6 months to 1 year.

No, hair loss medication does not provide a permanent solution. When you stop using the medication, hair loss may start again.

The most permanent solution in the treatment of hair loss is hair transplantation.

Your doctor will determine the most suitable medication for hair loss. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage for you, taking into account the cause of your hair loss, your medical history and other medications.

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About the Author: Dr. Eren Demir
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Eren Demir was born in Izmir in 1989. In 2014, he graduated from Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine. He completed his doctorate and medical speciality training in the field of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation at Health Sciences University Haseki Training and Research Hospital. During the autumn and spring semesters of 2020-2021, he gave trainings on Basic Anaesthesia and Clinical Anaesthesia to many students as an academician at Gedik University. Specialist Doctor Eren Demir has many articles published in international refereed journals in his field. He is a member of the Turkish Society of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation. Eren Demir, who worked as a specialist doctor in various hospitals, worked as the responsible physician of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Clinic in Avcılar Murat Kölük State Hospital affiliated to the Ministry of Health for many years. Eren Demir, who has been working in the fields of hair transplantation and aesthetics for many years, continues his valuable work as a Specialist Doctor at Hair Center of Turkey Hair Transplant Clinic.
17/07/2023Blog, Hair Loss
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