Hair loss treatment: An oral tablet to blocks an enzyme from DHT increasing hair regrowth

This Morning: Liz Earle discusses supplements for hair loss

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Finding a blanket treatment for hair loss is unrealistic this is due to the fact that hair loss has numerous causes. Treating it therefore requires a finer-grained approach. However, numerous studies have shown impressive results from taking a certain drug which was shown to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.

In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, finasteride for its use in male pattern hair loss was investigated.

The study noted: “The 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen responsible for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in genetically predisposed men.

“Results of phase III clinical studies in 1879 men have shown that oral finasteride 1 mg/day promotes hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss. 

“Evidence suggests that the improvement in hair count reported after one year is maintained during two years’ treatment.

“Therapeutic dosages of finasteride are also generally well tolerated.”

The study concluded that oral finasteride promotes scalp hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss.

With its generally good tolerability profile, finasteride is a new approach to the management of this condition, for which treatment options are few.

The active ingredient in Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), said Lloyds Pharmacy.

It continued: “DHT is the hormone that causes male hair loss.

“By reducing the amount of DHT affecting follicles in the scalp, Finasteride helps to halt hair loss and, in some cases, reverse it.

“Finasteride only stimulates hair growth on the head and will not cause hair to grow elsewhere on the body.”

Finasteride tablets usually have to be taken daily, with improvements seen within three to six months.

“There is good clinical evidence for the effectiveness of finasteride in the treatment of male pattern balding,” added Lloyds Pharmacy.

Be warned that once you stop taking finasteride, any new hair that has grown because of the medication “will likely fall out”.

Furthermore, hair loss will resume after you stop taking finasteride.

Other tried and tested treatments

There are other things you can try if your hair loss is causing you distress.

But most treatments are not available on the NHS, so you’ll have to pay for them.

It’s important to note that no treatment is 100 percent effective.

Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.

There are two types of wigs to choose from – synthetic and real-hair – and both come with pros and cons.
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