Medicated products are one of the easiest ways to manage ongoing hair loss. While there are several hair loss products on the market that promise excellent results, only Rogaine and Propecia are approved by the FDA and have been clinically proven to manage hair loss.
The best way to know which hair loss medication is right for you is to visit us at Cooley Hair Center. Dr. Jerry Cooley works with his patients individually to develop personalized treatment plans that include medicated products and advanced hair loss treatments.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Many reasons are linked to hair loss, including genetics, aging, hormones, and medical conditions like alopecia areata. However, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to be the most significant reason for hair loss in men and women. DHT is an androgen derived from testosterone that contributes to the development of male characteristics such as a deep voice and increased body hair.
However, as DHT levels rise, it gradually shrinks active hair follicles by disrupting their natural growth cycle, resulting in thinner hair and premature hair loss. Hair loss medications like Propecia and Rogaine focus on controlling DHT levels to prevent further hair loss and even revive shrinking follicles that have slowed down hair production.
1. Rogaine (Active ingredient: Minoxidil)
Rogaine is a topical hair loss medication approved by the FDA for both men and women and the only FDA-approved topical medication for female pattern hair loss. It is currently available as a 2% liquid, 5% liquid, and 5% foam.
Rogaine works by dilating blood vessels that nourish the hair follicles in the scalp, directly counteracting the follicle-shrinking effects of DHT and preventing further hair loss. Oral Minoxidil is also getting more popular among patients who prefer the pill’s convenience.
2. Propecia (Active Ingredient: Finasteride)
Propecia is a prescription medication for treating male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, helping to prevent further hair loss. As DHT levels in the scalp decrease, dormant hair follicles are often revived and produce new hair.
It has shown impressive effects in both stopping or slowing further hair loss, as well as producing hair regrowth. Five-year results showed that over 85% of men stabilized or improved.
Limitations of Rogaine and Propecia
Medicated products like Rogaine and Propecia do not entirely stop hair loss, but they can effectively stop or stabilize further hair loss and even revive shrinking hair follicles for hair regrowth.
Dr. Cooley recommends a treatment plan consisting of both Rogaine and Propecia. Patients who utilize both Rogaine and Propecia to improve the rate of their hair loss and even the thickness of their remaining hair
Find Out What Works For You
Dr. Cooley understands what it means to suffer from hair loss because he was once a hair loss sufferer himself. This is why he’s able to empathize with his client’s problems and concerns. If you’re looking for one of the leading hair restoration experts in North Carolina, Dr. Cooley is the one.
Cooley Hair Center offers FUE and FUT hair transplants, hair loss medications, and PRP therapy for hair loss. We serve hair loss patients in North Carolina, including Charlotte, Lancaster, Mint Hills, Matthews, Monroe, Gastonia, and more.
