 Propecia
Propecia is the most popular prescription treatment for hair loss. Propecia works by preventing testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink; blocking its production allows hair follicles to regain their normal size and for hair to grow again.
Propecia is available as an easy to take daily supplement. In medical trials 99% of men who took Propecia regularly experienced no further hair loss, and over 2 thirds of them experience significant hair regrowth. Side effects are uncommon, although about 2 in 100 men who use it experience a loss of sex drive. Propecia is available from HealthExpress, if you take an online consultation and are approved for the medication.
Topical steroids and steroid tablets
There are several creams and ointments which are widely prescribed for alopecia areata. Though their long-term benefits are not known, there is some evidence to prove they can make hair grow by protecting hair follicles from damage.
Minoxidil lotion (sold as Regaine)
Regaine is one of the few over the counter treatment that is proven to help with hair loss. This lotion is applied to the scalp several times a week and can stimulate re-growth after 2 to 3 months. It can take up to a year for the maximum response to be achieved, and will need to be applied consistently for the effects to remain.
Anti-androgen therapy
This is the use of hormonal drugs to directly block the action of DHT. Some of these are similar to oral contraceptives and female hormone replacement therapy. Anti-androgens should only be applied under the supervision of an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) or a dermatologist with expertise in hormone therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the application of a chemical solution called diphencyprone (DPCP) to a small area of bald skin. This is repeated every week, using a stronger amount of the solution till eventually the DPCP causes an allergic reaction and the skin develops mild eczema (dermatitis). Many people see hair growth after about 12 weeks. A possible side effect to this treatment is a severe skin reaction, although this can be avoided by increasing the DPCP concentration gradually. Less common side effects include a rash and patchy-coloured skin (vitiligo).
UV light treatment
2 to 3 sessions of light therapy are given every week; where the skin is exposed to UVA rays. This treatment can take up to a year to produce maximum results. Responses vary and there is a high relapse rate. Side effects include nausea, pigment changes and an increased risk of skin cancer. It’s therefore not a recommended treatment. Safer home UV treatments have recently become available in the form of hand-held hair lasers.
Hair transplant surgery
Though surgery offers a long term solution to male pattern baldness, it is expensive and carries a number of potential risks. Hair surgery involves rearranging your scalp skin so as to minimise the bald areas and maximise those areas where hair is still growing.
When considering surgery, you must remember that your hair loss could well continue around the reconstructed areas. This may look unsightly unless you're prepared to invest in further surgery in a later date.
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