Do Prescription Hair Loss Medications Really Work?

Prescription hair loss medications can make a significant difference in managing hair loss when they are used correctly, especially if other treatment options have been unsuccessful. However, taking the right kind of hair loss medication is a must when it comes to getting the results you want. Here are some of the most important things to know about how prescription hair loss medications work and how TM Hair can help you choose the best prescription for hair growth or other hair loss solutions for you!

Reasons for Hair Loss in Men and Women 

Hair loss may be caused by a wide range of factors, and knowing exactly why you are experiencing hair loss is an important step in choosing the best possible treatment option. Some of the most common reasons men and women may experience hair loss include: 

• Aging 
• Genetic factors
• Autoimmune conditions or other illnesses 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Hormonal imbalances  
• High-stress levels 

Types of Hair Loss Medications 

Identifying the specific type of hair loss medication that is most likely to provide the results you want starts with determining the underlying cause of your hair loss because most medications are designed with one or more specific types of hair loss in mind. Here are five of the most common types of prescription hair loss medications that may be used to help manage a wide range of reasons for hair loss. 

Topical Minoxidil 

Topical minoxidil is one of the most versatile types of hair loss medication. This option is frequently used to address hair thinning that occurs as a result of various types of conditions, and many users find that it provides better and more consistent results than other hair loss medications. While not all topical minoxidil medications require a prescription, most patients find that using a prescription-strength foam or liquid medication and working with a dermatologist or other professional throughout the process are important steps in obtaining the best possible results. 

Oral Finasteride 

Oral finasteride is most frequently used to manage male pattern hair loss by reducing the impact of certain hormones that damage your hair follicles. These medications stimulate new hair growth, but it is important to be aware of the typical timeline of this treatment before getting started. Oral finasterides can take up to a year to fully fill in lost hair, and many patients need to continue taking them indefinitely to prevent future problems. 

Antiandrogens 

Antiandrogens provide similar results to oral finasteride for women who are experiencing female pattern baldness. It is important to avoid taking this medication during pregnancy or while attempting to become pregnant because the extra estrogen they provide may lead to complications. 

Corticosteroids 

Hair loss that is related to an autoimmune condition, such as alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, or lichen planopilaris, can often be most effectively treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work to counteract the effects that autoimmune conditions can have on your hair’s ability to grow properly. These medications may be injected or applied as topical medications, and your age and the specific condition you have are important factors in determining which option is likely to work best for you. 

Antifungal Medications 

Oral antifungal medication is generally the most effective option for managing hair loss that is caused by scalp ringworm. Most patients need to take this medication for several months to make sure that the fungus is completely gone and will not begin to regrow after stopping it, and it is common to notice little to no improvement for up to two months. 

Start Your Journey to Hair Restoration Today With TM Hair’s Expert Team 

At TM Hair, we are here to help residents of Houston and surrounding areas identify the best hair loss treatment options for them. Our team can analyze your hair and scalp to determine the most likely cause of your hair loss, provide recommendations for the ways in which you may be most likely to successfully encourage your hair to grow, and guide you through the process of bringing the appearance and health of your hair closer to how it once was. Contact us today to schedule a free scalp analysis and learn more about the next steps to take if we determine that prescription hair loss medication or another treatment option is likely to be a good fit for you!

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