Don’t worry if you are experiencing hair loss, you are not alone in this scenario. 75% of men and almost 50% of women are also going through the same or will go in their life.
A number of treatments available in the market to treat the hair loss, but the most common treatments, used from the last 3 decades, are Minoxidil and Finasteride. They are very much effective in producing results.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are only two treatments which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. These medications are used to slow down the balding process. Major differences between Minoxidil and Finasteride are as follow
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the only topical, nonprescriptive medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Minoxidil is used to slow down the balding process.
History of Minoxidil
Minoxidil was first used to treat hypertension. 35 years ago it was available in the form of pills for the patient of high blood pressure. Medical professionals discovered the stunning side of Minoxidil.
People who were using Minoxidil for the treatment of hypertension started having hairs all over their body. It can be bearable for men, but for women Nah.
From the last 35 years, Minoxidil started referring to the treatment of hair loss. In the start, it was available in only solution/liquid form. As far as now, Minoxidil spray and foam are also available in the market.
Science behind Minoxidil
Till today, no one can tell, with full guarantee, about how Minoxidil works. But most of the researchers and medical professionals believe that Minoxidil work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle.
Blood flow towards hair follicle helps the follicle to increase their bulb size and taking them out form resting phase. Minoxidil also helps to make existing hair healthier. It makes thin hair thicker and strong.
How to use Minoxidil?
In its starting days, it was used to come in two concentrations such as 2% and 5%. 2% was used by women and 5% was used by men. Now Minoxidil comes in only 5% of concentration for both men and women.
The difference comes in its use. Women are advised to use Minoxidil once a day to make a one dose while men use it twice a day to make their single dose.
Precautions
Minoxidil should not be used in the pregnancy and in breastfeeding phase. It may cause abnormalities to the unborn or newborn.
It is also adviced not to use Minoxidil on children.
Side effects of Minoxidil
As such Minoxidil doesn’t have any severe side effects, but when it comes to mishandling or carelessness it comes out really messy. While using topical Minoxidil solution a little bit of showing carelessness will cause it to dribble down to face and cause extra hair.
Finasteride
Finasteride is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. It is a prescriptive medication in the form of pills. Just like Minoxidil, it is also used to slow down the balding process.
Working of Finasteride
Hair loss happens when the hair follicle is been exposed to dihydrotestosterones. These are the hormones which are responsible for hair baldness.
Finasteride works by putting a stop to the process of testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone. In result, hair growth in the scalp restarts.
Uses of Finasteride
This medication is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It targets the affected areas of the scalp and in the middle of the scalp.
Finasteride is not approved for the stop of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
It would be better to discuss the risks with your doctor.
How to use Finasteride?
Before getting started, read the information leaflet provided with the medicine. If you are not good with medical terminologies, visit your doctor and ask him to guide you.
Generally, one pill a day is taken by the patients. Finasteride takes almost 3-6 months to show proper results. It also requires its regular use for the best results.
Side effects and precautions
Finasteride is only suggested to adult men only. Women and children should not use this medication. During breastfeeding or pregnancy, it should not be used by women. It may show abnormalities in the newborn or unborn.
This medication can be absorbed through the skin. If the coating of the tablet is broken or the tablet is crushed, it should not be touched by the pregnant women.
Finasteride can decrease the amount of semen produced during sex. Although it is harmless, in some men, it continued after stopping treatment.
Other common side effects can be
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Trouble in breathing
Which One Is Better For You.
Minoxidil and Finasteride both are effective in slowing down the balding process. It means when you will stop using Finasteride or Minoxidil hair loss will starts again from where it was stopped. It should be used until ones want hair over his head.
As we compare both products for women, so it should be Minoxidil. Carefully used Minoxidil has no side effects. For women Minoxidil is safe and very less harmful.
As we take it to men, it should purely be on doctor advice. If you want to treat hair loss all on your own so Minoxidil is the best choice.
If the doctor suggested using Finasteride, so don’t feel any worry while using it because the medical professional referred you after your full examination. So many men living, who did not have any side effects. So don’t worry unless it is prescribed.
