What Treatments Does The American Hair Loss Assocition Suggest?The American Hair Loss Association is a large organization that does offer some strait forward reliable hair loss resources. There are only two FDA approved hair loss treatments; Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and Minoxidil(Rogaine). The below article from the AHLA gives a good synopsis. 
AHLA Article- Two Clinically Proven Treatments for Men’s Hair LossHair loss has become an industry packed with snake oil miracle cures that promise to restore hair growth but fail to deliver results. Products that are not FDA approved or recommended by The American Hair Loss Association do not meet quality standards for hair loss treatments. To date, only two treatments are clinically proven: Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and Minoxidil.With the advent of these two treatments, there is new hope for men who are facing hair loss. With early intervention, it’s possible for hair loss progression to be stopped. In order for treatment to be successful, it must begin as soon as possible. Finasteride (brand names Proscar and Propecia) Originally, finasteride was developed by the pharmaceutical company Merck and approved by the FDA to treat enlarged prostrate glands but during trials some men noticed a side effect of considerable hair growth. Merck decided to continue development of finasteride as a treatment for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and it was approved for that purpose by the FDA in 1997. Lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels is currently the only medically effective way to stop hair loss. A daily 1 mg dose of Finasteride can lower DHT levels by as much as 60 percent and it was proven effective for stopping the progression of hair loss in 86% of the men who took it during clinical trials. Minoxidil Minoxidil has a similar story to finasteride. It was originally used to treat high blood pressure. Eventually it was discovered that one of its side effects was growth of hair in unexpected places like on the cheeks, the backs of hands, and even on foreheads. Some researchers experimented with applying minoxidil topically in areas where hair growth was desired. There were varying degrees of success with this application, which depended on the extent of the hair loss. However, minoxidil was the first drug that the FDA approved specifically for treatment of male pattern baldness and to this day, The American Hair Loss Association still recommends it for individuals who haven’t had success with finasteride. However, because it doesn’t affect the hormonal process, the effects of minoxidil are temporary and it is not seen as a long term solution. Go to AHLA for Further Information What Do I Think About These Two Approved Treatments?
The bottom line is there are two basic reasons for hair loss: Genetic and Environmental. Male Pattern Baldness is the genetic factor. Your body was programed to react to testosterone which leads to hair loss. Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and Minoxidil are drugs which try to trick your body into doing something other then what it was programed to do. No amount of herbs and lotions are going to make the body do what it is not programed to do. Nutrition, Herbs and Supplements support your body in its natural functions and treat hair loss caused by environmental factors like your shampoo, bad food choices and nutritional problems. In order to grow your hair successfully you need to address both the genetic and environmental factors.
Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia)This is a prescription drug taken orally. Does it work? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Not for me.The reality of all prescription drugs is that they can have dangerous and lasting side effects. That is why they require a prescription! In the case of Finasteride the drug is messing with what makes you a male. And there are serious side effects such as a loss of Libido and ability to sexually perform. I would personally rather be bald then risk it. Now I am going to go all conspiracy theory on you so skip this paragraph if you don't want to hear it. Drug manufacturers consistently put out drugs to make make money. They play down the side effects in order to continue the sales. I simply don't trust it. I have heard rumors about effects on fertility and long term medical problems. These all seem to be in small print and haven't received much traction. The reality is that ll drugs, prescription drugs particularly have side effects and can lead to long term health problems. Minoxidil (Rogaine)This is a non-prescription drug used to trick our bodies natural process. This one seems to be much safer and without the side effects. It is the active ingredient in many topical applications.Products like Provillus include a Minoxidil based topical application along with an herbal supplement. While the Minoxidil works against the genetic factor the supplement encourages the hair growth process with nutrition. In my opinion if you are a victim of male pattern baldness then a minoxidil solution will probably work for you. What is the catch with minoxidil. It is a messy, sometimes smelly topical application. As men we are naturally lazy and don't like to primp. You have to adjust to the routine of applying it. In many cases things get worse befor they get better with minoxidil. It can cause some initial hair loss before the new hair begins. For those of us clinging to every follicle this can be very distressing. My Best Advice
Nail down the cause of your hair loss and then treat it appropriately. There are a lot of young guys out there who are losing there hair mostly because of poor nutrition. Man does not live on burger alone.Those of us who have male pattern baldness need both the genetic and environmental addressed. If this is you then you will probably need Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) or Minoxidil.Live Long and Grow Prosperous Hair, Bald Bob |