Is Herbal Remedy for Hair Loss Better Than Medications?

Some people may find that herbal remedy for hair loss is probably the best way to treat hair loss. This is based on the fact that herbal methods are known and proven to cause no side effects as compared to medications. Plus, a lot of herbal remedies have long been known to be effective in treating hair loss. But there are also cases when medications are also able to do their part, albeit the side effects. Here is a simple comparison on the types of hair loss treatment for both the herbal remedies and the synthetic drugs category.

Hair loss is caused by various factors. These include genetics, illness, thyroid imbalance, and childbirth, among others. The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. This type of hair loss is preventable and reversible, most especially when heredity is the cause. Treatments also vary. Two of which are herbal remedies and medications.

Basically, there are two types of herbal remedy for hair loss that a lot of web sites and commercial products tout as effective in inhibiting the factors that cause the fallout of hair. Here are two of them:

Saw Palmetto. According to various studies, this herbal remedy for hair loss is effective in preventing the formation of the testosterone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It has been proven that elevated levels of DHT are linked to male pattern baldness. Saw palmetto is specifically effective and its extracts are known to prevent the receptors on cell membranes to produce DHT. It is said that the inhibiting action of saw palmetto is the same as that of the FDA-approved medications being commercially sold today. What makes this herbal remedy for hair loss popular is that patients who use this type of treatment will see a significant improvement in the growth of their hair.

Nettle root is another herbal remedy for hair loss that prevents the formation of the DHT-producing enzymes 5-alpha reductase as well as aromatase, the enzyme producing estrogens. This herb has also been regarded as effective in the treatment of hair loss problems.

When it comes to medications, the two most commonly used are minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil in the topical solution form is used to treat hair loss and baldness. The first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. This medication is used to stimulate the growth of hair in areas of the head where growth has stopped. However, people who have had previous unusual or allergic response to minoxidil or propylene glycol should not use the solution, as well as those wit allergic reactions to preservatives or dyes.

Finasteride is a type of oral treatment used for male pattern baldness. This medication decreases the level of androgens, a type of hormone that affects hair loss. It is known to be successful in the treatment of hair loss in men. According to research, finasteride has shown efficacy in slowing down hair loss in men and regrowing hair. Results are said to be evident in a few months to one year. Some of the possible side effects of finasteride include sexual problems and decreased libido.

While one type of treatment may be better than the other, the bottom line is that it depends on the patient involved. There are cases when herbal remedy for hair loss brings more effective results. However, the same can be said for synthetic drugs. The best way to find out what is best for a patient is to consult with a doctor, who will be able to provide the right information and help make an informed decision.