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How To Treat Hair Loss
What Causes Hair Loss?
For many, hair loss occurs as a natural part of the ageing process and although it rarely needs to be medically treated, many seek medication for cosmetic and personal reasons. Depending on the severity of the condition, both non-prescription and prescription hair growth treatments are available.
The most common reason for hair loss in both sexes is Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), more commonly known as male, and female pattern hair loss.
In men, hair loss usually begins above the temples, and the receding hairline eventually forms a characteristic "M" shape; hair at the top of the head also thins, often progressing to baldness. In women, AGA begins with gradual thinning at the parting line, followed by increasing hair loss radiating from the top of the head. A woman's hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.
There are many potential causes of hair loss, including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. If you notice unusual hair loss of any kind, it's important to see your doctor or pharmacist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Although AGA is genetic, it is worth noting that it is not always predictable. Just because a family member suffered does not necessarily mean you will. However, if you do suffer from AGA, genetics is likely to be the root cause. That being said, it is still possible to treat the symptoms.
How Hair Loss Treatment works
If you have started to experience hair loss, we understand that you may feel worried. However, there are both non-prescription and prescription hair loss treatments available for men and women. These treatments come in a variety of forms including: tablet, spray, foam and shampoo. All hair loss treatments work to stimulate the growth of new hairs, strengthen existing hairs and reduce thinning.
In the case of AGA, the alopecia, is caused by over sensitive hair follicles, resulting in the hair becoming thinner and growing for a shorter period of time. It is linked to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone in men, otherwise known as DHT, too much DHT and hairs fall out at a faster rate. In women, the condition is more common after menopause and as such it is believed that female hormones may also play a role.
What Treatments Are Available?
Male and female pattern hair loss can be treated effectively with Regaine (Minoxidil) which is available from our online pharmacy without a prescription. For men, Propecia or the generic, better value, Finasteride, is also an option. Both of these, medications require a prescription.
Propecia/Finasteride 1mg comes in tablet form and should be taken daily. It works by preventing testosterone from converting into DHT, therefore increasing the growth of hair and postponing hair loss. Propecia is not licensed for use in women.
Minoxidil, works by improving blood flow to the follicles and increasing follicular size and hair shaft diameter, stimulating and prolonging hair growth. It can take up to four months to see if it is working. Minoxidil needs to be applied for 3-6 months before benefit is seen and the effects are reversed 6-12 months after stopping treatment. The manufacturers recommend ongoing use of these medications for the best results.
Can I Get Treatment On The NHS?
None of these treatments are available on the NHS, so treatment would need to be obtained via a private service, such as Oxford Online Pharmacy. Minoxidil is available to buy from a pharmacy without prescription, but Propecia/Finasteride needs an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who can issue an appropriate prescription.
More and more patients are moving away from expensive hair loss clinics and seeking prescriptions from online pharmacies. It is vital that they are able to check that the online source uses a GMC registered doctor and a GPhC registered pharmacist. Patients should never attempt to obtain these medicines without a prescription and they should ask for the registration numbers of those who are treating them.
Q&A
There are many potential causes of hair loss, including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. However, the most common reason for hair loss in both sexes is Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), more commonly known as male, and female pattern hair loss.
Yes, but it is worth noting that it is not always predictable. Just because a family member suffered does not necessarily mean you will. However, if you do suffer from AGA, genetics is likely to be the root cause.
Non-prescription and prescription hair loss treatments come in a variety of forms including: tablet, spray, foam and shampoo.
All hair loss treatments work by stimulating the growth of new hairs, strengthen existing hairs and reducing thinning.
Male pattern hair loss can be treated effectively with Regaine (Minoxidil) which is available from our online pharmacy without a prescription. Prescription medication Propecia or the generic, better value, Finasteride, is also an option.
Regaine (Minoxidil) for women, is available from our online pharmacy without a prescription. Minoxidil, works by improving blood flow to the follicles and increasing follicular size and hair shaft diameter, stimulating and prolonging hair growth. It can take up to four months to see if it is working.
Minoxidil needs to be applied for 3-6 months before any benefit can be seen.
The effects are reversed 6-12 months after stopping treatment.
No, none of these treatments are available on the NHS.
Treatment would need to be obtained via a private service, such as Oxford Online Pharmacy. Minoxidil is available to buy from a pharmacy without prescription, but Propecia/Finasteride needs an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who can issue an appropriate prescription.
Finasteride/Propecia is known to be excreted in semen and the potential effects that that may have on a developing male foetus are unknown. So men should not take it while there may be the chance of conception or pregnancy, and pregnant women should not handle the tablets. Contraception is also advised for three months following cessation of treatment with Finasteride/Propecia due to the risk of possible transfer of Finasteride/Propecia in the semen which can adversely affect the development of a foetus.
Women tend to respond better to Minoxidil than men, which is why there is a separate version for each gender. Regaine For Men isn’t advised for use in women because they can develop slightly lowered blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fatigue or even fainting. It is worth noting that Minoxidil only works during treatment, and its positive effects stop when the treatment stops.
There are OTC and prescription medications available and both are effective and licensed for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. In most cases it is safe to use both together - we recommend trying one at a time to start with, then you can introduce the second, as required.
Finasteride/Propecia is an anti-androgen and can cause side effects such as impotence, decreased libido and breast changes. Men are encouraged to report anything unusual to their doctor. The risks of any treatment should always be balanced with the beneficial effects.
Finasteride/Propecia reduces a chemical in the body called prostate specific antigen – this has a role in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, for which most men will be offered a blood test by their GP at the age of 50. Due to its reductive effect it is imperative that you disclose your use of hair loss medication to your GP, as this can affect any blood tests you have.
There is little evidence that natural supplements are effective but some supplements, such as Nourkrin, are popular.
Alpecin shampoo is a popular brand but there is little scientific evidence to prove its efficacy.
Minoxidil can cause irritation of the scalp.
Related Articles
- Stress, Hair Loss and How to take control
- What You Need to Know About Hair Loss in Women
- What causes hair loss?
- Hair Loss questions and answers
Authored by Stuart Gale, on 13 September 2018. Reviewed by Robert Bradshaw, on 14 December 2018.
