At BodyCarre we have decided to talk about finasteride because there is not much information about it, even if it is only above and we also take the opportunity to present data about other treatments that help maintain hair, although we have a much more complete article about Finasteride: Risk vs Benefits that you should read.
Index
Finasteride
Action of finasteride
Finasteride is an oral antiandrogen medication that inhibits the production of the enzyme that converts the male hormone (testosterone) into DHT (dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for gout). Finasteride inhibits the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and minimizes DHT levels in the scalp , which helps prevent atrophy of hair follicles and restores those that are already damaged. The result is a visible enhancement of more natural looking hair.
Effectiveness
The North American FDA approved the use of finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia . Several medical and scientific articles emphasize its powerful effect on hair growth induction, even in women.
Dosage
Most dermatologists recommend 1 mg per day of finasteride to induce hair growth in women and men . Clinical effects are seen 12 weeks to 6 months after the start of treatment.
In order to maintain the results, the treatment must be continued forever since with the interruption the hair can fall at the same rate as before. Treatment must be prescribed and supervised by a dermatologist , who will assess the need to order tests before starting it.
Women and finasteride
Finasteride is not recommended for women in the fertile period, or who intend to become pregnant, as there is a risk of feminization of male fetuses. The use of the drug should be stopped three months before the onset of pregnancy.
Collateral damage
Although no side effects were found in women, some of a sexual nature were detected in men: difficulty in erection, decreased libido (sexual desire) and decreased sperm volume . With the cessation of treatment, the side effects disappear.
Spironolactone and flutamide
They have an antiandrogenic action, are inhibitors of the action of androgens that act within the follicles and end up thinning the hair strands. These medications are used to treat acne, but they have also been shown to be effective in treating hair loss and hair loss.
They can only be used by women (except pregnant women) in cases of hormonal hair loss. The result is appreciated after 3 months. If treatment is interrupted and baldness reappears, it can be resumed.
For more information, check our article on Flutamide: does it help prevent hair loss?
Serenoa repens
Herbal extract obtained from a palm tree. For topical or oral use, its action is similar to that of finasteride: it inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT and causes androgenic alopecia.
transdermal gel
It is a lotion that is made on the basis of flutamide and finasteride . It also inhibits the production of DHT. The transdermal gel works only on the scalp , without systemic absorption . FF is a preventive treatment gel, an ideal adjuvant for baldness, but not to promote the growth of new hair but to protect the roots that are still present in the miniaturization process.
As with any treatment, there may be telogen effluvium (hair loss) in the initial phase. This decrease produces the elimination of fragile hairs through the exchange of thicker and more durable hairs. The use of the transdermal gel should be continued at the recommended dose.
Vitamin complexes
The hair shaft is made up of keratin. Some patients have a low production of this substance due to the deficiency of amino acids, vitamins and minerals . The use of supplements can be helpful in promoting rapid growth of stronger hairs . It does not work in cases of baldness.
Dietary supplements
There are dietary supplements that contain proteins, vitamins and minerals that are part of the hair. They have been shown to benefit skin, nails, and hair and improve the immune system. These supplements greatly reduce hair loss by strengthening the hair root.
The skin becomes fresher and rejuvenated. They are used in cases of baldness as a complement to other treatments.
Pantogar
It is effective for treating hair loss in women. The effectiveness of Pantogar has been documented in comprehensive scientific studies, which claim that it significantly reduces hair loss, stimulates healthy hair growth, and improves quality and strength.
Composition: 60 mg of vitamin B1, 60 mg of calcium D-pantothenate, 100 mg of yeast, 20 mg of cysteine, 20 mg of keratin and 20 mg of p-amirobenzoic acid.
For more information check our article on Pantongar: Benefits, contraindications, prices, opinions, composition and everything .
Ketoconazole
It is an antifungal shampoo used topically on the scalp to reduce the population of fungi and excess sebum, which is rich in DHT. Some studies show that it inhibits the levels of this hormone. Its use is recommended three times a week. The product should be left to act for at least 10 minutes to penetrate the skin of the scalp. We also have an extensive article on Pilexil, the Shampoo with ketoconazole: Anti-hair loss and anti-dandruff?
Low intensity laser
Improves irrigation of the scalp . It has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps a lot in dermatitis. It is performed in clinics with a specialized device. It fights against hair loss and stimulates its growth. It is effective in hair recovery and to treat seborrhea and dandruff.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.
