Oral Finasteride
This medication is taken once a day by mouth and is most effective when taken at the same time each day. Finasteride starts to work after about four months, but you may not notice significant hair growth for as long as a year.
Medications are the most common treatment for hair loss in women. They include the following: Minoxidil (Rogaine, generic versions). This drug was initially introduced as a treatment for high blood pressure, but people who took it noticed that they were growing hair in places where they had lost it.
According to Mayo Clinic, minoxidil topical is an over-the-counter medication. In other words, you do not need a prescription for minoxidil topical in the US or the UK. Minoxidil oral, on the other hand, does require a prescription.
Oral minoxidil is a relatively cheap medication and is often covered by insurance.
This means that up to 2 in 3 people may notice benefits from oral Minoxidil. It is best to take treatment for 6 to 12 months to give it enough time to work.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist injects this medication into the bald (or thinning) areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
Minoxidil. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness. It's available in 2% or 5% formulas. If possible, opt for the 5% formula — older studies found that it's superior.
Your dermatologist will prescribe medication to help with hair loss. Topical minoxidil, commonly called Rogaine, can help with hair growth and thickness. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe Finasteride in oral form.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth. It may take a few more months to tell whether the treatment is working for you.
Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness.
We reported decreased libido in 4 of 40 postmenopausal women taking 5 mg of finasteride daily. [2] Breast swelling and tenderness,[2] headache[2] irregular menstruation[2] dizziness,[2] and increased body hair[2] have also been reported.
CRP Test. The C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test is another way to determine inflammation levels associated with alopecia. CRP is an established marker for autoimmune inflammation. So, you can expect to take this test if you are suspected of having alopecia areata.
As a key member of the woman's health care team, the obstetrician/gynecologist may be the first person to evaluate the complaint of hair loss. Common types of nonscarring hair loss, including female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium, may be diagnosed and managed by the obstetrician/gynecologist.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
Iron deficiency (ID) is the world's most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss.
The study found that those who were given Viviscal showed significant growth along with hair shine and skin smoothness. “The oral supplement assessed in this study safely and effectively promotes significant hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning,” the study concluded.
How much B12 should I take daily for hair growth? The lowest amount recommended that should be traceable in your body is 2.4 mcg. While you are looking for a difference in your hair growth you can increase this dosage to 3 mcg and beyond.
While you are taking minoxidil, weigh yourself every day. A weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 kg) in an adult is normal and should be lost with continued treatment.
Minoxidil is being applied to the scalp in liquid form by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. However, improper use of liquids made from minoxidil tablets can result in minoxidil being absorbed into the body, where it may cause unwanted effects on the heart and blood vessels.
In clinical studies, the topical and oral versions were about equally effective at reducing or reversing hair loss, but the oral option was more likely to cause side effects (Ramos, 2020).
The top advice I have for anyone who wants to start a hair retention program is to visit a dermatologist (or a hair restoration surgeon like Bauman). That's also going to be the only way to get oral minoxidil.