Medication Treatment

Book a Hair Loss Medication Review with Dr Parissis

Just like other conditions, Hair Loss can be treated with medications as well as surgery. In some patients, medications may actually be more appropriate. We offer in-depth consultations to assess your :

here.

Current Level of Hair Loss

Family History of Hair Loss

Likely Hair Loss Progression

Best Medication Options

The Big Problem

The hair loss medication industry is filled with snake oils and potions that make it difficult to distinguish between what is helpful and what isn't.

Below is a brief summary of the main hair loss medications that are evidence-based.

Oral Finasteride

5-alpha reductase blockers like Finasteride are first line for Male Pattern Baldness. They work by stopping the conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for hair loss and therefore by reducing DHT levels, we can slow down hair loss.

Topical Finasteride

Minoxidil is known as a 'hair growth stimulator'. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but the main working theory is that it boosts blood flow to hair follicles which prolongs the 'anagen' or 'growing' phase of the hair - giving thicker, faster growing and longer hair in some patients.

Oral Dutasteride

Dutasteride has good research to suggest it is a powerful 5-alpha reductase blocker - reducing DHT levels by more than 90%. However, research also suggests this translates to ~50% reduction in scalp DHT - meaning it still only slows down hair loss and doesn't stop it for good.

Topical Dutasteride

Topical Dutasteride has limited research to support it's safety and effectiveness. It is therefore not routinely prescribed for patients. However, one can imagine it is effective but the more important question is - does it go into the bloodstream and therefore cause side effects? If so, this would defeat the purpose of it's topical use - which is hailed as one of the best benefits of topical formulations.

Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil is known as a 'hair growth stimulator'. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but the main working theory is that it prolongs the 'anagen' or 'growing' phase of the hair - giving thicker, faster growing and longer hair in some patients.

Oral Minoxidil

Oral Minoxidil is a more recent update to the more widely use Topical form. Research suggests it has good efficacy, but more is needed on it's safety before routinely recommending this medication.

Ketaconazole

Ketaconazole was once thought of as a useful medication for hair loss.

Overall, there are two conclusions from the research:

1) Randomized controlled trials need to be done to be more sure.

2) Studies so far suggest that ketoconazole is a SUPPLEMENTARY option for those who want to squeeze out more hair gains - NOT a big 'needle-mover'. In other words it is unlikely to make a big difference to your hair growth.

Saw Palmetto

The research is mixed
A Systematic Review by Evron et al from 2020 has at least some efficacy against AGA
It's lack of side effects compared to finasteride do suggest it could be a possible alternative for select patients
These patients could be those who get side effects from finasteride and/or want to avoid pharmaceuticals
It is likely effective as an adjunct compound with minoxidil.