What remedies for baldness work?

WHAT REMEDY FOR BALDNESS WORKS?

With each remedy for baldness I have divided them into two categories: “drug” and “natural”. Both of these baldness remedies are said to work to some extent. Medications (creams and pills) have had various clinical trials done on them, but on the negative side, they are occasionally susceptible to unwanted side effects. Most natural remedies for baldness have no clinical trials attached to them, just word of mouth recommendations, but they typically have fewer (at least fewer unwanted) side effects reported. 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 on any allopathic remedy 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 into a more potent form called DHT through the enzyme 5a reductase. DHT is very active on the receptors in the hair follicle, easily attaching to them and restricting blood flow to the hair. This causes the hair to become thin and miniturized creating the “peach fuzz” look. There appears to be an increased 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 a form of active 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 post-menopausal hair loss. However, that doesn’t explain why post-andropausal men lose hair as they age and their testosterone levels decline.[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 up the availability of potassium for the hair.
Efficacy: The average increase in hair per cm2 was 18.5% after 48 weeks. 1 to 3 months after discontinuation, 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 vehicle formulation of alcohol and propylene glycol.[2]
Availability – without a prescription.
Cost – $10 to $15 per bottle (one month).

PROPECIA

Mechanism: inhibits the enzyme 5a reductase 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, finasteride-treated men had statistically significantly higher hair counts on the frontal scalp. About 50% of the treated men and 30% of those taking placebo thought the appearance of their hair had improved. Hair regrowth was not reported in older men taking 5 mg finasteride.

Side Effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate volume have been reported in less than 2% of patients, which is actually 0.5% to 1% compared to placebo.[2]
Availability: Prescription only. Generic version now available.
Cost – $69.95 for 3 months

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BALDNESS

Most natural baldness remedies also work by blocking DHT, either by inhibiting the enzyme or by blocking the hair follicle receptor, or by providing the nutrient for the hair follicle receptor that blocks DHT. There is also an alternate interpretation of the “DHT alone causes hair loss” theory. Some believe that too many active estrogen-like substances, as well as too much DHT, are to blame for prostate cancer and hair loss, and not enough free testosterone in the body.[3]

This sounds contradictory to the allopathic argument, and with regard to estrogen it is. Some naturopaths say that it is what blocks the receptors of 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 enzyme aromatase (which converts testosterone to estrogen) present in the fat cells of obese and balding men. Aging, a high-fat diet, and a lack of exercise can cause 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 Palmettol)

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 Saw Palmettol herb side effects can be male breast enlargement.[2]