Medical Hair Restoration

Medical hair restoration is the utilization of prescription medications to restore the underlying conditions in the body that are causing hair loss. Whether DHT production, menopause, or thyroid problems are the reason for hair loss, medications prescribed for hair restoration can be effective for as long as the medication is used. Medications that aid in hair restoration are found in the form of creams, pills, or injectible liquid.

One class of medication aids hair restoration by blocking the production of DHT which is the hormone responsible for hair loss in men. Propecia and Rogaine are both prescription medications that inhibit the production of DHT. The effectiveness of Propecia and Rogaine differ from person to person.

The amount of hair loss in an individual and the presence of thin but still active hair follicles will determine how effective Propecia and Rogaine can be for hair restoration. When an individual still has thin, peach fuzz type hair, and not complete baldness, hair restoration medications are the most effective. It is not possible to regenerate hair follicles that have completely stopped producing hair.

Propecia and Rogaine work when the hair follicles are able to recuperate from the harming effects of DHT. Results take several months to show because hair follicles need time to heal. Often times the newly restored hair will again die off if medication is discontinued because of the return of DHT in the body.

Another approach to hair loss restoration is treating the underlying condition that may include hair loss as a symptom. Thyroid conditions and menopause are two reasons women often seek medical treatment for hair restoration. Treatment effectiveness varies from person to person and may not be effective in restoring hair. Women with a genetic disposition for hair loss are likely to need hair restoration treatment once they begin menopause.

Women are prescribed contraceptive pills with a high amount of estrogen in an attempt to stem hair loss. Estrogen is a natural DHT blocking hormone and so prior to menopause, women do not suffer from hair loss as men do. Estrogen contraceptive pills do not cure hair loss and if discontinued, hair loss will begin again.

Another prescription medication used for women is Spironolactone, a lotion that is applied to the scalp. Spironolactone is for women with a genetic disposition for hair loss. Women with hair loss have low estrogen levels and DHT is then able to send the message to hair follicles to stop producing hair. Spironolactone disrupts the message sent by DHT and must be applied daily for continuous benefits.

Minoxidil, a medication that is found over-the-counter, is a lotion that can be used by both men and women as a hair restoration treatment. Directly applied to the scalp, minoxidil is designed to keep active hair follicles from dying off and to stimulate hair follicle growth. Minoxidil helps the hair follicles when underlying conditions are working against the hair follicles. As a hair restoration treatment, the effectiveness of minoxidil is difficult to establish as results vary greatly. Once treatment with minoxidil is stopped, the benefits discontinue.

All prescription medications for the treatment of hair loss require that the patient continue use for continued benefits. Once the medications are stopped, hair loss will begin once again. Before you consider prescription medications for hair restoration, consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential for negative side effects.