Minoxidil
More than half of all men and women experience hair loss. Every person sheds and re-grows hair on a daily basis. When more hairs are shed than grow back the result is hair loss. The primary cause of hair loss is genetic however, there are four different types of hair loss; androgenic alopecia, traumatic alopecia, drug induced alopecia and alopecia areata. Androgenic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss, often called male pattern baldness and is found in both men and women. It is the most easily treated type of hair loss. Depending on the reason for the hair loss, illness, genetic or medication induced, there are several procedures that can assist maintain existing hair or even restore hair.
The topical medication that can be used to minimally restore and maintain hair loss is called Minoxidil. Rogaine® is the most well known brand name for 5% Minoxidil.
Rogaine® is applied to the scalp in areas of thinning hair to maintain existing hair. It has been reported to re-grow hair in 50% of both men and women. This FDA approved treatment is used to treat hereditary hair loss for the top of the scalp or vertex in men. The version for women can be used for all over hair loss on the female scalp. If the medication is applied twice daily, the results can be seen in a fast as 2 months for men and 4 months for women. Results do vary and some people may have no response. Upjohn, the company that manufactures Rogaine®, indicates that there are two different versions one for men and one women. The formulations are gender specific and should always be used as such.
It should be noted that this treatment is lifelong. Should the treatment be stopped the hair loss will likely reoccur. |
