Male pattern baldness is extremely common – in fact, most men will experience some form of hair loss as they age. While usually a hereditary condition, hair loss can also be triggered by an underlying health issue. Although it is not a serious condition, some men find that it can have a damaging effect on their confidence and self-esteem.

Luckily, there are medicines available that can help to prevent and sometimes even reverse the process. Hair loss treatment for men can be bought over the counter from most pharmacies, or from online clinics. To help you decide which option is best for you, let’s take a look at some of the most effective treatments available:

Finasteride

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One of the best long-term treatments for mild to moderate hair loss is Propecia, a tablet that contains the active ingredient finasteride. A prescription-only drug, it can help to slow the process of hair loss down and in some cases, stimulate new hair growth. The finasteride within the tablet works by preventing testosterone from converting into another hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually die. However, bear in mind that the medicine many need to be taken for up to six months before any results are seen, and hair loss will resume a few months after treatment has stopped.

Minoxidil

Although perhaps less effective than Propecia, Minoxidil has been shown to reduce the effects of male pattern baldness too. The medicine comes in the form of a lotion that is rubbed onto the scalp. It is available over the counter from most pharmacies without a prescription. Although it is still unclear as to how exactly the drug works, research has shown that it can increase hair growth in some men. Like Propecia, Minoxidil has to be used for several months before any results are seen. If treatment is stopped, any new hair that has regrown will fall out in a few months.

Other methods

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In addition to medical treatment, there are other self-help techniques that can help to delay hair loss. For example, studies have found that switching your shampoo to products that contain Ketoconazole can help to prevent hair shedding by blocking the production of testosterone in hair follicles. Research has also shown that healthier diets and a low sugar intake can slow down the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

 

While these treatments have been shown to have positive effects on men with male pattern baldness, it’s important to remember that they will not cure the underlying cause of hair loss. Remember that their effectiveness will depend on your condition and how long they are used for.

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