FDA-Approved and Emerging Hair Loss Treatments

FDA Approved Treatments

There are 2 FDA-approved treatments for Hair Loss:

1. 1. Topical Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine)– a topical treatment for both men & women, which slows and reverses the miniaturization process indicative of androgenetic alopecia.
   2. Finasteride (brand name Propecia) – an oral medication that is the most effective preventative treatment for men in slowing and reversing the miniaturization process indicative of androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride inhibits the breakdown of the serum testosterone into DHT, which is the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia.

Also Read: Finasteride Scientific Study Facts

Off-Label Treatments

There are a few off-label medical treatments (FDA-approved for other indications) used by physicians treating Androgenetic Alopecia:

1. 1. Oral Minoxidil – It is FDA-approved to treat hypertension. Used at subtherapeutic doses to treat androgenetic alopecia.

       

   2. Oral Spironolactone – A diuretic that is FDA-approved for hypertension. It is used in females with androgenetic alopecia for its side effect of being an anti-androgen

 

Other Marketed Hair Products

Lasers/Red light therapy – These devices are not FDA-approved for efficacy (they don’t treat the disease); they are only FDA-cleared for safety. These devices emit a low level of laser light in the hopes that it might stimulate hair growth. Unfortunately, the studies leave a lot to be desired.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy – This therapy uses your own blood, which is centrifuged to contain the patient’s serum and platelets. This is then injected into the patient’s scalp. The studies are not convincing. One of the lead researchers in the world on PRP stated at an annual ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) that “There is one absolute truth about PRP in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia—It makes money for doctors!”

Stem Cells – Using Stem Cells to treat hair loss is still in the experimental stages, but there is a lot of promise as more studies are needed. Unfortunately, most doctors and companies touting stem cells in the office or products are scams.

Also Read: New Hair Growth Breakthrough

Hair Loss Shampoos – They can help your hair hold moisture (which may make your hair look fuller & thicker) and lessen breakage (which can reduce thinning), but they cannot regrow hair or prevent hair loss.

Supplements – Many supplements, such as Biotin and Folic Acid, claim to help grow hair. In all studies, these supplements had no effect on hair growth.

Lotions and Potions

Since there is no perfect treatment for androgenetic alopecia, it makes the field ripe for the snake oil potions and witch doctors who take advantage of hair loss patients’ vulnerabilities. The old adage “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true” is very appropriate.

Surgical Treatment for Hair Loss

Hair Transplants – Hair transplants should look completely natural when performed by a physician who is formally trained in both FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) and FUE (Follicular Unit Excision). A great hair transplant can be life-changing; however, not everyone is a good candidate. It is of utmost importance that you have a consultation with the physician who will actually be doing the surgery in order to make sure the diagnosis is correct and the patient’s goals are realistic. Be aware that most doctors performing hair transplants have no formal training in this surgery, and to make matters worse, they have their technicians do it (who have no medical certification to perform most of the surgery). A hair transplant surgeon (preferably a dermatologist who is formally trained in his/her medical residency in the pathophysiology of the different hair loss disorders and trained in the science and art of hair transplant surgery) can confirm your unique diagnosis and tell you if a hair transplant can actually help restore your hair.

In summary, if you think you have hair loss, it’s important to see a board-certified Dermatologist for a proper medical diagnosis. Men and women develop hair loss for many reasons, and the treatments are different.