Hair Loss Treatments - Finasteride
Male pattern baldness afflicts many men, sometimes even when they are still in their prime. Once any medical or hormonal causes have been excluded, the NHS has traditionally offered no further help, partly because little could actually be done but also due to cost savings as it is such a massive problem.
However, over recent years Finasteride if taken as an oral tablet 1mg daily has been shown to both reduce further hair loss and also increase hair growth in men. At higher doses of 5mg daily it is actually available under the NHS for benign prostate problems.
How does Finasteride work?
It gets to the “root” cause of male pattern baldness by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which in turn is normally responsible for progressive hair thinning in men. Thus, once DHT levels fall the balding process is slowly reversed.
How effective is it really because I’ve heard many such claims before?
In one clinical trial 83% of men showed no further net hair loss after 2 years of taking Finasteride, whilst in another 66% showed an actual increase in hair growth.
Thus, most men taking this drug can expect at least a significant slowing in hair loss, often no further loss and frequently, an actual increase in hair numbers.
What are the side-effects?
Finasteride is normally very well tolerated but in clinical trials 1.8% reported a decrease in sex drive and 1.3% described erectile dysfunction but these issues are temporary, resolving quickly once treatment is stopped. It is not indicated in women or children. It is a prescription-only medication and thus we require a thorough medical history before considering this treatment for you.
What are the alternatives?
Unless you present early, Finasteride is unlikely to be the sole answer as its main benefit is actually in retaining hair. Thus, in more notable cases of baldness, other options might include learning to accept the hair already lost, toupes, hair transplant or micro-grafting, etc. However, Finasteride has an important role in combination with these other methods to retain the hair you still have for longer than might otherwise be the case.
Another option is to try Minoxidil scalp lotion 1ml twice daily from your pharmacist. This has the advantage that it is available without prescription and the weaker 2% solution can also be used by women with male pattern hair loss. However, it is slow to act as it is recommended that you try it for a whole year before deciding whether it has worked and the response is often more superior with Finasteride.
What is the cost?
The cost of a medical history, clinical assessment, advice, digital photography and a private prescription for 3 months supply of tablets is only £75. However, the chemist may charge varying amounts for dispensing the drug and thus you are best advised to shop around.
Follow-up assessment and the issuing of further 3-monthly private prescriptions is a mere £25.00.
Please phone now to arrange a free, no-obligation assessment of your needs.
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