Medical Management for Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a distressing experience. The gradual hair loss may feel beyond your control, whether you are facing thinning hair, excessive shedding, or male pattern baldness. However, advanced medical treatments have been clinically proven to slow hair loss and, in many cases, stimulate regrowth, offering hair loss management for those seeking to restore their hair.
We provide advanced medical treatments at New Jersey Hair Restoration Center in Freehold, NJ to help combat hair loss and pattern baldness. Our team offers proven solutions to restore hair growth, whether you’re experiencing thinning hair, excessive shedding, or male pattern baldness. Certain medications are used to treat hair loss and pattern baldness. Let us discuss some frequent medical treatment options used for hair loss at New Jersey Hair Restoration Center.
Medical Management for Hair Loss (Prescribing Finasteride or Minoxidil)
Hair loss management has advanced significantly, offering medical treatments that can effectively slow hair thinning and promote regrowth. Finasteride and minoxidil are the most widely prescribed treatments, each working through different mechanisms to combat hair loss.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter nonprescription medication available in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms. For best results, women should apply it once on the scalp daily. Men need to use it twice on the scalp daily.
The treatment helps you regrow your hair and sometimes even slows the rate of hair loss. It takes over six months to start preventing further hair loss and begin hair regrowth. If the treatment results are visible, you need to use the medicine indefinitely to maintain the benefits. However, probable side effects include scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on your face and hands.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is a prescription drug for men. The pill has to be taken daily and is considered to slow the rate of hair loss and even promote new hair growth. It takes a few months to know if the treatment is effective. You will have to keep taking it infinitely to retain the benefits. It is less useful for men aged above 60.
Sporadic side effects of finasteride include reduced sex drive and sexual function, and a higher risk of prostate cancer. Pregnant women should not touch broken finasteride tablets.
What Is Combination Therapy for Hair Loss?
Finasteride, minoxidil, and caffeine shampoo can be combined to build a safe and effective combination therapy for hair loss. This treatment works best for the early stages of male pattern baldness on men aged 18 to 40.
Is it safe and effective to combine finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss?
Hereditary male pattern baldness is caused by genetic factors and a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT alters the hair follicles on the scalp. The diameter of the hairs formed from the affected follicles becomes increasingly reduced. Their length shortens and the color lightens over time, resulting in hair thinning, receding hairlines, and baldness.
Finasteride combats and blocks the effects of DHT on the follicles. Finasteride is not a lasting cure for male baldness, so it needs to be taken every day to prevent hair loss.
Minoxidil stimulates the affected hair follicles. It helps increase the blood flow to your scalp and thus, induces the follicles to amplify in size and diameter. As a result, it revitalizes the hair growth cycle and promotes thicker hair. Usually, a 2% minoxidil solution is applied twice a day for men. Your doctor may alter this dosage depending on your condition. The ingredients of finasteride and minoxidil are compatible and can work together.
What would be the components of a typical combination hair loss therapy?
The components of your combination hair loss therapy depend on several factors. Contact your doctor for a complete analysis of the causes of your hair loss and its appropriate treatment method. Generally, a combination hair loss therapy would consist of:
- Finasteride
- Minoxidil
- A caffeine shampoo (optional)
- Hair supplements to maintain natural hair health (optional)
Benefits of Medical Hair Loss Treatments
Medical hair loss treatments offer a proven, non-surgical approach to slowing hair thinning and promoting regrowth. When used consistently, our medical hair loss treatments can:
Slows Hair Loss
Our medical hair loss treatments work to reduce hair shedding and maintain existing hair density. Consistent use can help prevent further hair thinning, making it an effective option for early-stage hair loss.
Combination Therapy Enhances Effectiveness
Using finasteride and minoxidil together maximizes hair regrowth by addressing hair loss from multiple angles. This approach blocks DHT while also stimulating follicles, making it more effective than using either treatment alone.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Minoxidil extends the growth phase of hair follicles, helping to produce thicker and fuller hair over time. It improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring follicles receive the nutrients needed for regrowth.
What Are the Risks of Medical Hair Loss Treatments?
Medical hair loss treatments can be effective in slowing or reversing hair thinning, but they also come with potential risks and side effects. Whether you’re considering minoxidil, finasteride, or a combination therapy, it’s essential to understand the possible complications associated with each treatment.
Minoxidil Risks
- Scalp Irritation: Some users may experience redness, itching, or dryness on the scalp.
- Unwanted Hair Growth: Minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth on the face or hands if it comes into contact with those areas.
- Initial Shedding: Temporary hair shedding may occur in the first few weeks of use as hair follicles transition into a new growth phase.
- Dizziness or Rapid Heartbeat: Though rare, some users may experience dizziness, chest pain, or heart palpitations.
Finasteride Risks
- Sexual Side Effects: Some men may experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or a decrease in semen volume.
- Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer: There is a potential link between finasteride use and a higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
- Hormonal Changes: Finasteride alters hormone levels, which can lead to side effects such as breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia).
- Mood Changes: Some users report experiencing depression, anxiety, or mood swings while taking finasteride.
- Pregnancy Risks: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets, as they can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
Combination Therapy Risks (Finasteride + Minoxidil + Caffeine Shampoo)
- Increased likelihood of experiencing side effects from both medications.
- Possible allergic reactions, including rashes or swelling.
- Scalp irritation or dryness due to multiple topical treatments.
- Long-term commitment—stopping treatment may lead to resumed hair loss.
Results You Can Expect From Medical Hair Loss Treatment
Medical hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are designed to slow hair thinning and, in some cases, promote regrowth. However, the effectiveness of these treatments depends on several factors, including genetics, the severity of hair loss, age, and how consistently the treatment is used.
Minoxidil
During the first three months of treatment, it’s common to experience increased shedding as weaker hairs fall out to make way for new growth. This is a natural process, though some users may also notice mild scalp irritation. Visible regrowth is unlikely at this stage, but staying consistent with daily application is crucial for long-term success.
By the three- to six-month mark, shedding typically decreases, and some users start to see early regrowth in the form of fine, thin hairs. These may appear light and wispy, but they signal that the follicles respond to treatment.
Users usually experience noticeable improvements in hair thickness and density between six and twelve months. The fine hairs that initially grew in may darken and become stronger, contributing to fuller coverage, particularly in thinning areas. By the one-year mark, hair appears significantly thicker, though continued use is necessary to maintain results. Stopping treatment can lead to renewed hair loss within a few months, so long-term consistency is key.
Finasteride
During the first three months of finasteride treatment, most users notice a reduction in hair shedding, though visible regrowth is rare at this stage. Some may experience temporary shedding as hair follicles adjust, but this usually stabilizes.
By the three- to six-month mark, hair loss continues to slow, and hair may start to feel thicker and healthier, particularly at the crown, where finasteride is most effective. While early regrowth is possible, significant improvements typically take more time.
Users often see noticeable thickening and increased density between six and twelve months, with reduced thinning in affected areas. By the one-year mark, many achieve their fullest possible results, with stronger, healthier hair. However, stopping finasteride can lead to hair loss resuming within months, so continued use is necessary to maintain improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Hair Loss Treatments
How much do medical hair loss treatments cost?
The cost of medical hair loss treatments depends on the specific medication and whether you use brand-name or generic versions. Over-the-counter minoxidil is generally affordable, ranging from $20 to $50 per month, while prescription finasteride costs around $30 to $80 per month, depending on dosage and pharmacy pricing. The costs can be significantly higher if you are undergoing combination therapy that includes additional treatments like Exosome Therapy or PepFactor. Long-term expenses should be considered since these treatments require ongoing use to maintain results.
How do I maintain my hair loss treatment results?
Patients should follow a consistent application or dosage schedule, avoid missing doses, and combine treatments with a healthy scalp care routine for best results. Additionally, supporting hair health with nutrients, hydration, and low-stress lifestyle habits can further enhance and prolong results. Regular follow-ups with a physician can help adjust treatment as needed for long-term success.
Why Choose New Jersey Hair Restoration Center for Medical Hair Loss Treatments?
While medical hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can effectively slow hair loss and promote regrowth, the expertise of your physician and the quality of your treatment plan play a crucial role in achieving the best results. At New Jersey Hair Restoration Center, we provide medically backed solutions under Dr. Emil Shakov, MD, FACS, ensuring a personalized approach tailored to your unique hair restoration needs.
If you are considering medical management for hair loss, we invite you to visit us. Every patient’s hair loss journey is different, and our treatments are customized to optimize your results. Consult our doctor to analyze your hair loss and determine the most effective treatment plan for restoring thicker, healthier hair.
Your Path to Hair Restoration Begins Here
New Jersey Hair Restoration Center in Freehold, NJ, is committed to providing physician-led treatments beyond over-the-counter solutions. We integrate advanced medical therapies such as exosome therapy, PepFactor, and combination treatments that enhance the effectiveness of traditional hair loss medications. Our expertise ensures your treatment plan is designed to slow hair loss, stimulate hair follicles, and maintain long-term hair regrowth.
To maintain hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss, it is essential to continue using medical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride as directed. Stopping treatment can cause hair loss to resume within a few months, often returning to pre-treatment levels.
If you face hair loss or thinning hair, get in touch with the hair restoration experts of New Jersey Hair Restoration Center in Freehold, New Jersey. Our doctors provide exceptional medical management therapy for hair loss. Book a consultation with us today by contacting us online or calling (888) 897-8996.