Provillus - The Best Hair Loss Prevention Treatment

Hair Loss Treatments

The most favored over-the-counter hair restoration medication today is Rogaine, a brand of topical monoxidil solution by Pfizer Corporation, approved for over the counter sale in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Monoxidil was originally used as a blood pressure medication, and then doctors establish that it produced the side effect of increased scalp hair development.

At present monoxidil remains the only FDA approved pharmaceutical topical solution proven to increase hair. In the preliminary studies held in 1985, 55% of men tested were able to re-grow hair because of extra strength Rogaine (5% topical monoxidil treatment), although the best results came from individuals who had been balding for less than 10 years and were bald in a section of four inches across or less. Another test study compared the results of regular strength Rogaine (2% topical monoxidil solution) with the extra strength version, and found that subjects grew 45% additional hair because of the extra strength Rogaine than with the regular strength Rogaine, and users of both solutions outgrew the users of the placebo. Just 6% of those tested experienced any kind of irritation.

Rogaine works by blocking the creation of DHT. Of course there are generic brands of topical monoxidil solution also on the market. Rogaine was originally made just for men's use, and then a women's version of the medication was made. Similar results were achieved using the women's version. As with both men's and women's versions, users should take note that continuous use of the medication is necessary to maintain the newly growing hair, as it is a normal effect for newly developing hair to stop growing and fall out when one ceases to use the medication. As with any medication, follow all directions and cease to use if irritation or discomfort persists.

Of course numerous individuals choose not to use drugs to treat conditions, because they desire to avoid the use of chemicals and their possible side effects. In this instance, there are a few treatments in existence that have been found to block the production of DHT and so work similar to topical monoxidil products. As mentioned before, Saw Palmetto has been used effectively to block DHT in the treatment of prostatic ailment, and is now being explored for its practicality in stimulating hair growth. Traditionally it has been used by herbalists to encourage hair growth effectively. Nettles, commonly taken in the form of Nettle Root Extract has shown itself to be competent in preventing hair loss as well. More facts on these was covered in the section Natural Hair Remedies.

While topical solutions such as Rogaine brand monoxidil have been used to treat hair loss, Propecia brand Finasteride by Merck & Company, Inc. is the only FDA approved pill approved for the prevention of hair loss and possible hair re-growth. Like Rogaine, Propecia was discovered because of its generic equivalent being used for another purpose was found to have beneficial side effects.

Finasteride is the generic designation for the medication, which was already in existence for quite some time and had been produced under the name Proscar by Merck Company and used for treatment of enlarged prostates, a syndrome medically called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is caused by an overproduction of DHT, which causes the prostate to grow. Many BHP patients were also suffering with MPB, and when patients began taking Proscar, they noticed the re-growth of hair also. This sparked new testing and the birth of Propecia as a hair rejuvenation medication. The approval of Propecia by the FDA was simple to achieve, since it was merely marketing formerly approved Finasteride as a hair rejuvenation medication, with a much smaller amount than that
necessary for BPH.

Propecia is being prescribed by doctors to some patients as an oral treatment to internally block the production of DHT. Propecia is an androgen hormone inhibitor only approved for men, and has been clinically proven to grow hair on a substantial percentage of men who have with Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or more correctly androgenetic alopecia. Unfortunately, the drug has not been approved for use by women at this time. This is especially true for women who are pregnant or can become pregnant, because the method of preventing testosterone from being converted to DHT can affect secondary sex characteristics of unborn fetuses.

Propecia works by reversing the shrinkage of hair follicles that are in the telogen stage, or last stage of the standard hair cycle. Propecia works best in combination with topical treatments of Monoxidil such as Rogaine. Participants in studies have seen hair grow in as little as six months, whereas those who have seen no results in a year's time are reported not probable to see any results from the drug. One round of testing of over 2,000 men with androgenetic alopecia over a four-year period showed half with reported new hair growth.

Side effects of Propecia in a few persons studied include diminished sex drive, hardship in achieving an erection, and a decreased sperm production. Side effects were found in less than three percent of participants in clinical studies. Thankfuly when the drug's use was discontinued, the side effects went away and normal functions resumed. Of course there are some who say that the growth of new hair is worth the cost of a drop in sex drive. Only you can determine whether this side effect is worth the personal cost to you.

Finasteride is metabolized primarily by the liver, and therefore anyone suffering with liver disease may not be able to take the drug, and ought to consult a doctor. Additionally, as with Monoxidil, it can mask PSA levels, thus caution ought to be used if used by patients with elevated PSA levels, as it may be difficult to read levels properly when diagnosing potential prostate cancer. Of course proper consultation with your physician will help determine if taking Finasteride treatments such as Propecia is correct for you.

Doctors of course are discouraged by pharmaceutical companies to prescribe Proscar for cosmetic treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Of course there are always going to be those who discover ways to keep from this. Therefore, many have been driven to discover ways to purchase Proscar and divide the pill into fourths or fifths instead of paying the unreasonable prices for the very same Finasteride.

Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all dietary and medical planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. This content only presents overviews of hair loss prevention research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.