Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia

Although hair loss is devastating, with proper treatment, androgenetic alopecia is possibly reversible. The goals of treating this condition are to grow more hair and or reduce the amount of hair loss while improving the quality and health of existing hair. The types of treatments for androgenetic alopecia fall into several categories; proven treatments, anti-androgens, 5 Alpha-Reductase inhibitors, topical treatments/non-drug commercial solutions and dietary supplements.

Proven Treatments:

Minoxidil/Rogaine:
Currently, the only FDA approved treatment for female pattern baldness is Minoxidil, a growth stimulant commonly known as Rogaine. Click here for more detailed information on Minoxidil.

Tricomin: Tricomin is a therapy spray that is applied topically. It is part of a suite of products that include a shampoo, conditioner, and conditioning shampoo. Click here for more detailed information on Tricomin products.

Nizoral:
Nizoral is an antifungal shampoo used to help treat dandruff that is available over the counter in most drug stores. Nizoral contains 1% ketoconazole, which appears to interfere with testosterone production and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. A study in 1998 has shown that ketoconazole shampoo increases the size and density of the hair and also helps move the hair follicles into the growth phase. Nizoral maintains scalp health and eliminates inflammation, itching, etc which can destroy effectiveness of other treatments. Nizoral is used once every 3 days in rotation with normal shampoo.