Best Medicines for Male Pattern Baldness
Hair loss in males can be caused by either genes or the environment.
Androgenetic alopecia, or Male Pattern Baldness, is an inherited trait.
As per MedlinePlus, it impacts more than 50% of men over 50.
But stress or other autoimmune conditions such as Alopecia areata can also cause hair fall in men.
Male Pattern Baldness can’t permanently be cured, but some medicines and treatments might slow it down.
Continue reading to learn more about the medicines for Male Pattern Baldness.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Androgenetic alopecia is a form of hair loss that affects both men and women.
In men, this condition is known as Male-pattern baldness. Hair falls out in a distinct pattern, beginning above both temples.
In women, Androgenetic alopecia is known as Female Pattern Baldness.
The hair loss pattern in women differs from that of men.
Women’s hair thins all over the head, but the hairline does not recede. In women, Androgenetic alopecia rarely results in total baldness.
Genes, or a family history of baldness, is one cause of Male Pattern Baldness.
It has been linked to male sex hormones known as Androgens. These sex hormones perform a variety of functions, including regulating hair growth.
Each hair on your head goes through a growth cycle.
With Male Pattern Baldness, this growth cycle weakens. The hair follicle miniaturizes, resulting in shorter and finer hair strands.
The growth cycle of each hair ends, and no new hair grows in its place.
Male Pattern Baldness is usually inherited.
But, more severe causes of baldness include certain cancers, medications, thyroid conditions, and anabolic steroids.
Consult your doctor if you experience hair loss after starting new medicines for the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness.
Medicines for Male Pattern Baldness
Pattern (hereditary) baldness can be treated with medications. The most common medicines are:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a hair growth stimulator.
It acts as a Vasodilator, widening the blood vessels inside the hair scalps. As a result, there is an increase in the blood flow to your hair follicles.
Minoxidil for Male Pattern Baldness is available in liquid and shampoo forms.
John Browning, MD, a dermatologist with Texas Dermatology and Laser Specialists, recommends applying Minoxidil twice daily to a dry scalp.
Dr. Browning is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Many people prefer to use foam when their hair is wet.
Minoxidil helps regrow hair, slow the rate of hair loss, or both.
It might take at least six months of treatment to stop further hair loss and begin hair regrowth. It may take several months to determine whether the treatment is effective.
If it’s working, you’ll need to keep taking it to reap the benefits.
There may be irritation on the scalp and unwanted hair growth on the skin of the face and hands.
Topical Minoxidil solution is one of the medicines for Male Pattern Baldness that is available over the counter.
Your doctor may also give you Oral Minoxidil to help stop hair loss, but the FDA has not approved it.
| Products with Minoxidil | Approx. Cost |
| Tugain 5% | $20.54 |
| Tugain Solution 10 | $87.30 |
| Hair 4u 2% | $19.80 |
| Hair 4u 5% | $21.61 |
Rogaine
Rogaine is the brand name for the generic Minoxidil.
Like Minoxidil, it also acts as a Vasodilator. Rogaine helps widen the blood vessels inside the hair scalps.
Rogaine for Male Pattern Baldness is available over the counter as a liquid or foam.
Both are available in two different strengths: 2% and 5%.
Finasteride
Finasteride was an oral medicine for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It helps patients by shrinking the enlarged prostate.
Finasteride is a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker.
DHT is a hormone that binds to men’s hair follicles and damages them, leaving them unable to grow new hair.
Finasteride tablets are prescription medicines for Male Pattern Baldness.
Many men who use finasteride notice a reduction in hair loss and, in some cases, new hair growth.
It may take several months to determine whether it is working for you. To keep the benefits, you must continue to take them as per your doctor’s instructions.
Finasteride may not be as effective in men over the age of 60.
Finasteride’s rare side effects include decreased sex drive and sexual function. It can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.
| Products with Finasteride | Approx. Cost |
| Finpecia 1mg | $6.27 |
| Finalo 1mg | $19 |
Olumiant
This medicine is often prescribed for treating Alopecia Aerata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair fall.
But there is no evidence to suggest that Olumiant is effective for Male Pattern Baldness.
Olumiant is a tablet medication that should be taken once a day by mouth, with or without food.
The recommended dose of Olumiant is 2 mg (1 tablet), taken orally once a day. Some people may require up to 4 mg once daily.
Your healthcare provider will figure out the right dose for you.
Olumiant is not advised for people who have severe kidney or liver damage. If you have kidney or liver problems, talk to your doctor about whether Olumiant is a good option.
Some other medicines for Male Pattern Baldness that your doctor may recommend are Spironolactone and Oral Dutasteride.
Other Products
Other than Male Pattern Baldness pills and topical solutions, different hair loss products can help slow down hair fall.
There are various Ayurvedic medicines for Male Pattern Baldness that you can try. However, there is little to no research to support the effectiveness of these products.
Your doctor can also recommend some supplements to help you grow your hair. Biotin is one such supplement for Male Pattern Baldness.
Remember, Androgenic Alopecia or Male Pattern Baldness is not curable. However, a suitable treatment plan can help slow down hair fall and even help with new hair regrowth.
A treatment plan will include diet, lifestyle changes, and medicines for Male Pattern Baldness.
Conclusion
Male Pattern Baldness is not a severe medical condition. Even though it is incurable, many medicines can help slow the progression.
Consult a hair specialist before deciding on any medicine. Depending on the severity and your medical condition, they can suggest the best medicines for Male Pattern Baldness.
If medicines for Male Pattern Baldness don’t work, other treatments are available. You can also read our complete guide on hair loss treatments.
