How to deal with hairloss in men and women. What is better Propecia vs Rogaine for balding?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which is caused by a variety of conditions.  Androgenetic alopecia also known as male pattern baldness is the most predominant type of of hair loss, which ends up affecting up to 32-40% of both men and women.  Hair loss can be a difficult experience but with newer technology and treatments it is becoming a more manageable condition.

So, to understand hair loss lets take a look at what is going on with hair loss we need to understand the anatomy of hair shown below.

Each follicle will grow and then shed in a cycle.  The growth phase for a single strand of hair will be approximately 3 years.  After that, growth stops and then the follicle is said to be in a resting phase.  The resting phase is about 4 months long. After the resting phase, the hair will be shed and the growth cycle begins again.

On a normal scalp, 85% of the follicles are growing at any moment.

The impact of hair loss can be devastating for men but it is much  worse for women.  Both may begin to feel unattractive, old, develop a low self-esteem, and some may develop symptoms of depression.

The psychosocial impact of hair loss should be discussed with your health care provider.  Health care providers can be a source of support or refer patients to appropriate therapy and support groups.

Treatment for hair loss is primarily two.  Finasteride known as Propecia and Minoxidil known as Rogaine.  However, finasteride may not be used in women.  Minoxidil has been used in women.

Propecia (finasteride) - functions to decrease the hormone level dihydrotestosterone.  A misconception that many have is that low testosterone levels cause baldness that is definitely not the case but the opposite holds true.

Finasteride is dangerous for especially pregnant women who have been advised not to even handle the pill.  Studies have indicated abnormal genetalia in male fetuses of pregnant women exposed to Finasteride.  Potential side effects of Propecia (finasteride) have been decreased sexual drive and erectile dysfunction.

Another treatment is Rogaine (minoxidil) which interacts with the growth phase and  lengthening it thus causing more follicles to produce hair.  The hair are typically thicker.  Treatment with Rogaine needs to be done indefinitely.  Rogaine has been shown to be the most effective on patients who have hair loss in the top of the head, have haid hair loss for less than 5 years, the area of hair loss is less than 4 inches i diameter.  A study has indicated that up to 40% of men and women with top of the head hair loss experience desired results with Rogaine.

Some side effects of Rogaine (minoxidil) are swelling, increased heart rate, weight gain, facial hair development, and skin irritation.

So which is better Rogaine or Propecia?

One study showed that Propecia was 2% more efficient in comparison to Rogaine and a further benefit with combination of two.  However, each patient responds differently to different medications.  Thus, it is best to discuss the treatments with your health care professional to have him or her tailor your treatments.

Surgery is another option where healthy follicles from parts of the scalp are transplanted to affected areas.  Another form of surgery is scalp reduction where bald patches of the scalp are surgically taken off and the skin left is sewn together.

Feel free to leave comments and ask any questions?