Cure for Male Pattern Baldness
The FDA has approved only two products that are capable of preventing hair loss, and sometimes these products can actually regrow hair. These two products are known as Rogaine, the active ingredient of which is minoxidil. At first, it was only available by prescription, but these days it is possible to buy it over the counter in either a two percent or five percent minoxidil solution.
Upjohn is no longer the only manufacturer of minoxidil. These days, generic versions can be purchased at any drug store and in many department stores at prices that are quite reasonable. This solution is applied to the scalp two times per day.
Most people find that these minoxidil products slow hair loss; sometimes, it results in the regrowth of hair in balding areas. Minoxidil products work on men and women alike, and come in two different versions. One is for men and the other is for women. It is unclear to me what difference there is between the two, if any, since they both contain minoxidil as the active ingredient. Minoxidil in ineffective on totally bald scalps and only grows new hair on the pate, not on the front of the head. It does not cost much, and is well worth trying. Try it for at least four months.
The other approved hair loss treatment is Propecia. Available for use only in men, a prescription is needed to obtain this medication. Because Propecia can cause severe negative side effects, particularly affecting unborn babies, women should never take Propecia. Women should avoid touching Propecia, because although the pills are coated, the residue from the pills can get into their systems through the skin.
Double blind tests have been conducted on Propecia without prescription which have indicated that approximately 98 percent of men experience some benefit from the drug. Some men experience mild side effects, such as loss of libido, but these usually dissipate once Propecia use is discontinued. My suggestion is to utilize a product that contains minoxidil first; if that is not effective, then use Propecia in addition to the minoxidil. The combination of the two treatments stops most hair loss, and it frequently results in regrowth of hair. It is imperative that you consult with your physician prior to taking any of these medications.
