Is There A FDA Approved Hair Loss Medication?

Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition responsible for nine out of every ten cases of balding in men and one out of every four in women. There are current only two FDA approved types of hair loss medication available to treat this condition; minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil is known as a hair growth stimulator; it is also prescribed for high blood pressure. Minoxidil goes under the brand names Rogaine and Loniten and is available for hair loss over the counter. This FDA hair loss medication must be applied twice daily and is thought to enlarge damaged follicles, extend the hair growth cycle, and encourage resting hair to grow. It usually takes 60 to 90 days for growth to be achieved and is normally noticed at the around the 70 day mark. The benefits of this balding and/or thinning medication will only be maintained through continued use. It is approved by use for both men and women and has no known side effects. The more concentrated tablet form for high blood pressure is available by prescription only.

Finasteride is the second FDA approved hair loss medication which is still prescribed to improve urine flow in men by reducing the size of the prostate gland. This hair loss medication is available in pill form by prescription only. The drug is intended for use only by men. Women who might be pregnant are warned never to come in contact with it, even in the amount that may be in semen from the male sex partner, because of the risk of causing an abnormality in the fetus. Finasteride works by interrupting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone deep with the hair cell.

What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products(specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.

For most types of balding and thinning hair new growth will resume without the use of any type of hair loss medication but there are exceptions. The most notable of these is androgenetic alopecia which is more commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. The good news is that there are two FDA approved hair loss medications currently available.

About the Author

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural pet health at Purchase Remedies.com

Topics : FDA, Hair Loss Medication, Hair Loss Remedy. Source: goarticles.com