Medications and Herbal Hair Loss Treatment Options

A lot of people suffer from some types of alopecia. Depending on the condition, hair loss is dealt with in various ways. While some are comfortable with taking drugs to curb the fallout, others want a more natural herbal hair loss treatment. The following are some of the more well-known medications and herbal treatments that most people find effective.

Medications

The success of treating hair loss is dependent on the cause of hair loss, the extent, and individual reaction. In general, people suffering from extensive cases of hair loss won't be able to benefit much from most hair loss treatments. The two most common types of hair loss medications are minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical treatment rubbed on the scalp to stimulate the regrowth of hair and to avoid further fallout. Minoxidil, which comes in 2% and 5% solution) is an over-the-counter topical treatment that does not need prescription. This treatment is rubbed on the scalp to stimulate the regrowth of hair and to avoid further fallout. According to a report, this FDA-approved hair loss treatment is said to expand hair follicles and increase the diameter of their shafts. However, minoxidil is said to be more effective in people who are younger than 30 years old and have started losing hair for less than 5 years.

Finasteride is another hair loss treatment that is capable of treating male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thereby leading to reduced hair loss. This hair loss treatment is for use by men only since it has been known to cause birth defects in unborn babies. To get the most benefit that it provides for people suffering from hair loss, finasteride has to be taken daily.

Types of Herbal Hair Loss Treatment

Saw Palmetto. This herbal remedy is one of the most popular and the most widely used ingredient in many commercial hair loss products. This herbal hair loss treatment is said to be effective as a remedy for androgenic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness. Saw palmetto slows down hair fallout and encourages the growth of  more hair. Experts believe that the herb may inhibit an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase from allowing the hormone testosterone from being converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is regarded as the key factor that contributes to the onset and development of androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia.  

Nettle Root. This is a supplement that is also often used in commercial hair loss treatment products. The nettle root in hair loss products also help prevent 5-Alpha-Reductase from converting testosterone to DHT. Nettle root, like saw palmetto, should not be taken together with prescription medications as the combination would cause negative reactions. These drugs include  blood pressure medications, diabetes medicines or sedatives. But unlike saw palmetto, this herbal hair loss treatment is safe for use by women.

Ginkgo Biloba. This herbal hair loss treatment is used as an antioxidant and is essential in enhancing circulation, brain functions and memory. Though this herb does not affect the hair directly, it improves the flow of blood to the brain area and sends more nutrients to the follicles of the hair, thereby improving the growth of hair.
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