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 extent. Medications (creams and pills) have had several clinical trials done on them, but on the downside, they are occasionally susceptible to unwanted side effects. Most natural baldness remedies have had no accompanying clinical trials, just word-of-mouth recommendations, but typically have fewer (at least less unwanted) reported side effects. If you’re not sure which type to try, it’s possible to try both (but consult a doctor before doing so).

ALLOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR BALDNESS

Before I get started with any allopathic remedies 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 to a more potent form called DHT using the 5a reductase enzyme. DHT is very active at receptors in the hair follicle, easily attaches to them and restricts blood flow to the hair. This causes the hair to become thin and miniturized creating the “peach fuzz” look. There appears to be 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 into an active form of estrogen called estradiol. The theory is that after women reach menopause, their natural estrogen levels drop, allowing testosterone to be converted to DHT, making them more susceptible to hair loss after menopause. However, that doesn’t explain why post-andropausal men lose hair as they age and their testosterone levels drop.[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 the availability of potassium for the hair.

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

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

Availability – without a prescription.

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

PROPECIA

Mechanism: it inhibits the 5a reductase enzyme 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 statistically significantly higher hair counts on the frontal scalp. Approximately 50% of the treated men and 30% of those who took placebo thought that the appearance of their hair had improved. Hair regrowth has not been reported in older men taking finasteride 5 mg.

Side Effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate 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 by blocking the hair follicle receptor, or by providing the nutrient for the DHT-blocking hair follicle receptor. There is also an alternate interpretation of the “DHT alone causes hair loss” theory. Some believe that too many estrogen-like active substances, as well as too much DHT, are to blame for prostate cancer and hair loss, and that there is not enough free testosterone in the body.[3]

This sounds contradictory to the allopathic argument, and with respect to estrogen it is. Some naturopaths say it is what blocks the receptors in the hair follicle. 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 balding men. Aging, a high-fat diet, and lack of exercise can lead to too much estrogen and too little testosterone. Even if testosterone is at normal levels, active estrogen levels may still be too high.[3] Although this does not explain why women with high estrogen levels 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

BETA-SISTOSTEROL

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

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

Side Effects: None, but side effects of the herb Saw Palmetol can be enlargement of the man boobs.[2]