Although some hair loss is a normal part of aging, excessive hair loss due to male androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss) or hair loss as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-cancerous prostate enlargement) can be extremely discomfiting, leading to low confidence and even depression.
Both these conditions appear to share the same largely genetic pathogenesis whereby hormones prevent hair follicles from receiving adequate nutrition and are thought to affect up to 60% of men in the UK by the age of 50 and over 80% by the age of 70.
Is there hope to slowing hair loss or even reversing?
Fortunately, scientific research heralds a promising future for those affected, including women who have a family history of hair loss and are experiencing hair thinning at the top of the scalp.
There are two FDA-approved drugs available in the UK clinically proven to reduce thinning, strengthen existing hair and even promote hair regrowth: minoxidil and finasteride. These products are a far more effective option than herbal remedies, shampoos and supplements and less expensive than realistic-looking wigs and hair transplants! These types of products are available online pharmacies but make sure they are fully registered such as Oxford Online Pharmacy, the last thing you want to do is cause further damage with poor unregulated treatments.
Regaine is reported as one possible solution
Originally developed as a vasodilator antihypertensive (high blood pressure) medication, minoxidil (sold as ‘Regaine’) is a solution that is applied topically twice daily to the scalp and stimulates hair growth by repairing damaged hair follicles and improving blood flow to them. It was first approved back in 1996 and although it is effective for some types of hair loss, many patients struggle to maintain twice daily use of the product due to the topical application required.
Finasteride is quickly becoming most popular choice
The more popular alternative to minoxidil is finasteride (sold as generic finasteride or ‘Propecia’), a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor first approved in 1997. Finasteride works by preventing conversion of testosterone to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that can lead to hair loss, particularly if you are genetically predisposed to it.
Dihydrotestosterone binds to receptors within your hair follicles causing them to shrink, weaken and even die. Although there are some concerns about potential side effects such as sexual dysfunction (due to the lowering of natural testosterone levels), these do not present in everyone. The oral nature (once-daily tablet) of this medication means it is easy to incorporate into your daily routine, especially as it can be taken with or without food. Noticeable results are usually seen within 3-6 months of starting treatment.
Another treatment option is dutasteride (another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, sold as ‘Avodart’), Although it is not currently licensed for use as a hair loss treatment in the UK, it is licensed for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (of which hair loss is a common comorbidity).
These treatments can be purchased online after completing a medical questionnaire (essentially a virtual consultation) to ascertain your suitability for this medication and issue of a private prescription. Your medication will arrive quickly and discretely. There’s enough to worry about in life without your hair loss being one of them, go check out a Registered Online Pharmacy today!
Sources
https://www.wimpoleclinic.com/blog/facts-and-statistics-about-hair-loss-in-the-uk/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/hair-loss-treatments-ones-really-work/
https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/study-linking-bph-to-male-hair-loss-says-finasteride-may-help-both/
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/minoxidil.html
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/finasteride.html
