HAIR LOSS PREVENTION/ MEDICATION

Can I do anything to prevent hair loss?

Yes, according to the goals and extent of hair loss, the age and sex of the patient, several treatment options are now available for the thinning hair patient. The two main proven medications are oral Propecia® (finesteride) and topical Rogaine® (minoxidil). Both of which have proven records of hair growth and are approved by the FDA. Only Propecia® requires a prescription from a doctor. It is very important to note that when both medications are used in conjunction, they help to prevent further progression of androgenic loss. Prevention of further loss is the most important factor to slowing down the progression of hair loss. However, there are reports of many patients who have actually re-grown cosmetically acceptable hair where they were once bald. This re-growth is highly variable and is most often seen with those patients on Propecia®. Studies are now showing that certain types of medicated and zinc-based shampoos may also help slow the progression of hair loss.

On NBC’s Dateline, a study of 5 men used one of 5 different treatments for hair loss for one full year. At the end of a year of treatment, the 5 men were revisited to evaluate their results. The patient who fared the best, received the Hair Transplant surgery. Second, was the patient who took Propecia® by mouth, and applied topical Rogaine® to the scalp. Next, with only minimal changes were, the patient who used Rogaine® alone, and the patient who used an oral “Norwegian formula”. In last place was the patient who used a Laser comb.

Will medications such as Propecia ®, Proscar ®, and Rogaine® replace my hair?

In 1997 the FDA approved the oral medication, finasteride, for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia® is the brand name, of the oral, one-milligram daily dose used for the treatment of hair loss in men. Proscar® is the brand name of the oral, five-milligram dose commonly used in treatment of the prostate. In tests, of patients who used Propecia®, 30-40% experienced re-growth of hair. A higher percentage of patients experienced decreased fallout. It has also exhibited a high safety margin with less than 2% of patients showing signs of side effects, mainly sexual in nature. Propecia's® effectiveness is also increased when used in combination with topical Minoxidil solution, especially the 5% formula. Retin-A ® solution can also be added to topical solutions to aid in absorption. Propecia® requires at least six months of daily use before evaluating for any new hair growth or decreased hair loss.

Promising headlines about "miracle" hair tonics have enticed many people into buying lotions that only lead to disappointment. Despite extravagant claims, these products have been proven time and time again to be useless. However, the first proven effective topical drug, Rogaine® (2% minoxidil), and Extra-Strength Rogaine® (5% minoxidil) helps to hold on to existing hair, and has actually restored hair in some patients.

Many people purchase these topical medications envisioning overnight success, but re-growth is a slow process that can take 6-12 months of consistent daily usage to see any results. Rogaine® has found its greatest effectiveness with those who are just beginning to lose their hair because it actually slows down the balding process. Continued regular application is required and can easily fit into a daily routine. With almost no side effects, it has become an effective treatment for many patients for the last several years.

Is it safe for a man using Propecia® to have sexual intercourse with his pregnant wife?

Yes, it is safe for a man using Propecia® to have sex with his pregnant wife. The pregnant woman must not ingest the pills, or even handle the actual pills, or any liquid form of finasteride during her pregnancy, because Propecia® is easily absorbed through the skin. Propecia® could potentially harm a male fetus, especially if taken during the third trimester of pregnancy when the sexual organs are developing. No birth defects have been identified from sexual intercourse when the man is taking oral Propecia®. The amount of finasteride (Propecia®) found in the semen of a male who is taking this medication is minute. It is estimated that over a pint of semen would be necessary daily during the third trimester to produce even the smallest chance of a sexual developmental problem. (This amount far exceeds the imagination, much less the probability!)

What is the newest medication on the market for hair loss?

Duteseride (Avodart® 0.5mg) has been FDA approved for prostate enlargement in men, but it is considered “off-label use” for hair loss. In the past, it was thought that one needed to use 2.5 mg daily, for effective prevention of hair loss. But, it was decided to be impractically expensive for the general public and therefore, abandoned as a practical hair loss prevention treatment. More recent studies have shown that Duteseride has a long half life and is cumulative in the body, meaning a patient could take a lower dose over a longer time period and still get the benefits at a reasonable cost. Potential side effects are similar to those of Propecia®. Articles found in Drugs in Dermatology (August 2005) have shown that both men and women with androgenetic baldness benefit with the use of the 0.5 mg dosage on a daily basis. As with the start of any new medication, use and a treatment plan of Avodart® must be carefully discussed with your doctor.

What role does saw palmetto play?

This health food has made many claims regarding prostate enlargement and its benefits have been confirmed by medical studies. Its reduction of DHT has not been proven. At this point there have been no medical studies of its benefits for the prevention of hair loss. Until further information is available, Dr. Griffin recommends finesteride (Propecia®) with its proven record of improvement in balding patients.

Can I Stop Using Rogaine/ Propecia® after my Hair Transplant?

Dr. Griffin strongly recommends that patients stay on hair loss prevention medications even after the hair transplant procedure. This is to ensure that the patient continues to hold on to their existing hair. The more existing hair you can retain, the less hair will need to be transplanted.