What remedies for baldness work?

WHAT REMEDY FOR BALDNESS WORKS?

With each baldness remedy I have divided them into two categories: “drugs” and “natural”. Both baldness remedies are said to work to some degree. Medications (creams and pills) have undergone several clinical trials with them, but on the downside, they are occasionally susceptible to unwanted side effects. Most natural remedies for baldness have not had accompanying clinical trials, just word of mouth recommendations, but they typically have fewer (at least least unwanted) side effects reported. If you are not sure which type to try, it is possible to try both (but consult a doctor before doing so).

ALOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR BALDNESS

Before beginning any allopathic remedy for baldness, I must explain the current scientific thinking behind the causes of hair loss so that the mechanism and efficacy of the medications are easily understood.

Men convert excess testosterone into a more potent form called DHT through the enzyme 5a reductase. DHT is very active in the hair follicle receptors, easily attaches itself to them and restricts blood flow to the hair. This causes the hair to become thin and miniturized creating the “peach fuzz” look. There is apparently a higher amount of this enzyme in the scalp of men who are susceptible to male pattern baldness.[1]

Women, however, have an excess of the aromatase enzyme that converts their testosterone to a form of active estrogen called estradiol. The theory is that after women reach menopause, their natural estrogen levels drop, allowing testosterone to convert to DHT, making them more susceptible to hair loss after menopause. However, that does not explain why post-andropausal men lose hair as they age and their testosterone levels decline.[1]

Well that’s the theory, so now let’s look at each baldness remedy and determine its effectiveness and availability as of July 2006. Below is a list of each baldness remedy:

Rogaine (Minoxidol)

Propecia (Finasteride)

ROGAINE

Mechanism – unclear. It seems to open up the availability of potassium for the hair.

Efficacy: the average increase in hair per cm2 was 18.5% after 48 weeks. From 1 to 3 months after stopping it, the condition of the hair returns to pre-treatment levels.

Side Effects – Dizziness has been reported. Local irritation, itching, dryness and erythema can occur with the use of topical minoxidil, most likely caused by the vehicle formulation of alcohol and propylene glycol.[2]

Availability – without prescription.

Cost – $ 10 to $ 15 per bottle (one month).

PROPECIA

Mechanism: inhibits the enzyme 5a reductase responsible for the production of DHT.

Efficacy: A third study of 326 men with mild to moderate frontal hair loss found that after 1 year, men treated with finasteride had a statistically significantly higher hair count on the frontal scalp. Approximately 50% of the men treated and 30% of those who took placebo thought that the appearance of their hair had improved. Hair regrowth was not reported in older men taking 5 mg of finasteride.

Side Effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculation volume have been reported in less than 2% of patients, which is actually between 0.5% and 1% compared to placebo.[2]

Availability: by prescription only. Generic version now available.

Cost – $ 69.95 for 3 months

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BALDNESS

Most natural remedies for baldness also work by blocking DHT, either by inhibiting the enzyme or blocking the hair follicle receptor, or by providing the nutrient for the DHT-blocking hair follicle receptor. There is also an alternative interpretation of the theory that “DHT alone causes hair loss.” Some believe that too many estrogen-like active substances, as well as too much DHT, are the culprits for prostate cancer and hair loss, and that there is not enough free testosterone in the body.[3]

This sounds counterintuitive to the allopathic argument, and regarding estrogen it is. Some naturopaths say that this is what blocks the hair follicle receptors. It is these protein receptors that attract nutrients to the hair. Both DHT and estrogen-like pollutants block the receptor.[3] Apparently, certain bacteria that thrive in fat produce estrogen-like substances.[4], and there is an excess of the aromatase enzyme (which converts testosterone to estrogen) present in the fat cells of obese and bald men. Aging, a high-fat diet, and lack of exercise can create too much estrogen and too little testosterone. Even if testosterone is at normal levels, active estrogen levels can still be too high.[3] Although this does not explain why women with high levels of estrogen do not have male pattern baldness.

Here is a list of each baldness remedy and nutrients:

Beta Sistosterol (from the herb: Saw Palmetol)

Chrysin (from the herb: Passionflower)

Vitamin D

B12 vitamin

Biotin (vitamin B7)

Iron and L-lysine (for women)

Folligen (copper peptide)

Soy

Rooibos Tea

BETASISTOSTEROL

Mechanism: it blocks DHT from androgen receptor sites found in hair follicles.

Effectiveness – not proven. Mixed reviews from people on health forums.

Side Effects: None, but the Saw Palmetol herb side effects can be male breast enlargement.[2]