Non-Approved Drugs That Can Help Hair Loss

At present only two medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved for the treatment of hair loss, but which have shown themselves over time to have a positive effect in dealing with this condition.

1. Avodart (dutasteride) - this is a new medication that is not yet approved for hair loss but which offers exciting possibilities for treating male patten baldness. It works in a similar way to Propecia which prevents one of two enzymes from converting testosterone into DHT thus blocking two thirds of DHT production. Avodart takes this process a stage further by blocking both enzymes thus reducing overall DHT production by 93%. It is currently approved for the treatment of enlarged prostates and should not under any circumstances be taken by women of child bearing age.

2. Proscar (finasteride) - Propecia has become a valued weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness but it began life in the form of Proscar. In fact, the active ingredient is identical with Proscar containing a higher dose of 5 mg compared with Propecia's 1 mg. Many men therefore assume that the higher dose is more effective in preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The extent to which this is true is debatable although the basic facts do tell us Proscar blocks slightly more DHT formation. Some physicians feel its use is warranted in a small proportion of older men and women who previously have not responded to treatment with Propecia.

3. Tretinoin (Retin-A) - this is well known for the treatment of acne but medical studies have shown it also helps stimulate hair regrowth. Some experts argue that tretinoin enhances the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the hair follicles. As a result, several formulas of tretinoin and minoxidil are available, generally only by prescription.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Treatments to find out more about the issues covered in this article.

---

Dont Lose Hair Because Of Poor Grooming

One of the most common reasons why men and women... Read More

Do You Know These Hair Coloring Secrets?

Coloring your hair is perhaps the quickest and most dramatic... Read More

Stop Hair Loss!

Are you losing more than 20-100 strands of hairs a... Read More

Finding Hair Loss Treatments That Fit Within Your Budget

Hair loss treatments can be very expensive and although most... Read More

Hair Loss: An Overview

Hair, though often overlooked, plays an important role in our... Read More

Homemade Hair Dressing to Naturally Grow Your Hair

There's plenty you can do to hang on to what... Read More

Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions

There is such excitement in this cutting edge technology for... Read More

Non-Approved Drugs That Can Help Hair Loss

At present only two medications have been approved by the... Read More

Easy Natural Remedies For Hair Loss

There is again no sure-fire way to prevent all hair... Read More

Male Hair Loss Treatment - What Options Do You Have?

Male hair loss treatments are big business. That is because... Read More

Hair Loss Remedies ? How Do You Choose?

Hair Loss Remedies are big business, especially on the internet.... Read More

Develop A Strategy For Dealing With Premature Hair Loss

The fact you are reading this probably indicates you have... Read More

Making Your Own Herbal Hair Shampoo

In 1990 I decided not to use the commercially made... Read More

Painless Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is rapidly growing to be the most... Read More

Is There A Role For Nutrition In Dealing With Hair Loss?

Could something as basic as inadequate nutrition really contribute to... Read More

Hair Loss - The Reasons

General: Hair is constantly going through cycles of growth, resting,... Read More

A Guide to Female Hair Loss

Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a... Read More

How Does Propecia (Finasteride) Help In The Treatment Of Hair Loss?

Finasteride was initially marketed to treat prostate conditions under the... Read More

Hair Cloning As A Solution For Hair Loss

One of the most exciting recent developments in the search... Read More

Natural Hair Loss Treatment

A few years ago there were no "official" natural hair... Read More

Natural Hair Loss Product

Hair is a crucial part of our identity. Although we... Read More

Laser Hair Removal New York

One thing is very obvious. You wouldn't be reading this... Read More

Coping With Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition that is characterized... Read More

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies For External Use

In a separate article in this series we looked at... Read More

The Truth About Hair Loss

Male Pattern BaldnessOn average, there are 90,000 to 150,000 hairs... Read More