Minoxidil: Fda-approved Topical Hair Loss Treatment

By Author: Naomi Mannino
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DID YOU KNOW? This blood pressure medication had a strange side effect of hair growth? But researchers discovered it has to be topically applied to grow hair only where you want it!

Minoxidil, the generic name for the brand name Rogaine, is the only FDA-approved topical lotion for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It was discovered much the same way as Propecia, when taken internally for the treatment of high blood pressure, doctors noticed a side effect of hair growth. Since the hair growth could not be contained, they discovered it could be applied topically to increase hair growth to selected areas only. Doctors and Hair Loss professionals agree that Minoxidil can be a useful part of your total Hair Loss treatment plan.

Is Minoxidil for me?

___ Am I experiencing hair loss that is progressive?
___ Am I looking for a low-cost treatment option?
___ Am I looking for only a topical hair loss treatment option?

How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil, when applied topically ...
... and depending upon the concentration of the liquid, increases blood flow to the follicles, which can improve hair growth. Dr. Wasserbauer , a board-certified, California-based Hair Transplant Surgeon explains that Minoxidil opens up blood vessels of the hair follicles so they grow more robust hair. But it doesn't stimulate dead follicles to re-grow. Sometimes we use Minoxidil with internal medication like Propecia which blocks DHT from shrinking follicles and/or low-level laser light therapy, which also stimulates lazy follicles and creates stronger, better growth and healthier hair from follicles that are still alive, explains Wasserbauer.

What can I expect?

For men - While you can expect a marginal improvement, most doctors do not prescribe this as a front-line approach to male pattern baldness because it has no hormone-blocking effects that can produce and improve hair growth. Results from the use of Minoxidil are small and temporary at best, advises the American Hair Council. And the newest foam applications seem to be more effective at putting the medication where it's needed. Some hair loss professionals have had good results using Minoxidil at higher concentrations than what's FDA-approved while using it in conjunction with other treatments.

For women - In women with diffuse Alopecia or thinning hair beginning at the part line, many doctors find Minoxidil more effective for women than men. Currently The FDA has approved a 2% solution for women, although some new tests and clinical studies have confirmed that a 5% solution actually yields better results

Complications

According to the American Hair Loss Council, side effects from topical application of Minoxidil are uncommon as the amount absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream is minimal. Also, when you stop using Minoxidil, hair reverts to its previous pattern of hair loss and benefits will be lost.

The bottom line

The American Hair Loss Council advises hair loss consumers to do their homework and research, but to rely on FDA approved treatments and those provided by a skilled surgeon or hair loss professional.

Author Bio:

Naomi Mannino is a freelance writer who writes about health, beauty, and fashion, with a specialty in writing about hair, hair loss and Alopecia. She is a contributing writer for HairLoss.Com who writes about hair loss condition and hair loss solutions.