
My patients readily accept medications for a few conditions—like weight loss, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss.
Today, I want to focus on hair loss.
It’s a topic I don’t write about too often. But it impacts both men and women.
The good news is, I can typically recommend a “low-dose route” to combat hair loss—and it seems to do the trick.
And now, science backs that recommendation…
Battling hair loss
New guidelines have been published for the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) therapy for hair loss.
And the guidance stems from a committee of dermatologists with hair-loss expertise spanning 12 countries.
But let’s back up just a bit.
As you know, hair loss affects both men and women. And there are many different contributing factors, like excessive androgen levels (hormones).
Age-related thinning is common—as is hair cycle disruption, such as what occurs during chemotherapy.
Then, there are specific medical conditions—like alopecia areata, which leads to patchy bald spots that are often brought on by stress. Or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which impacts women of childbearing age.
In my practice, PCOS is often a primary cause of hair loss, acne, or excessive hair growth in unwanted areas.
Of course, another important consideration in hair loss is the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a primary driver of hair loss in men and can be monitored through a simple blood test. (This is especially important if you’re on testosterone replacement therapy.)
Now that we understand a little more about potential contributing factors, let’s move on to the many treatment options available to help you battle hair loss, no matter the cause.
Complementary approaches
There are many excellent nutritional supplements available that can help you maintain your luscious locks.
In fact, one of my all-time favorite supplements, pycnogenol (maritime pine bark extract), is supported by numerous studies showcasing its benefits for healthy hair. (I recommend 100 mg twice daily.)
But plenty of people turn to other over-the-counter (OTC) options, like topical minoxidil. This is available as a solution or foam. And you may recognize it under the brand name Rogaine.
However, the latest recommendations state that the prescription drug option—LDOM—is more effective. The usual dose ranges from 0.625 mg to 5 mg daily. (I generally prescribe 2.5 mg daily for both men and women.)
Your physician may recommend combining LDOM with spironolactone or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors—an approach that appears safe and effective when properly monitored.
I know—you probably weren’t expecting me to talk about a prescription drug today. But the bottom line is, if you’re battling hair loss and aren’t seeing results with your current treatment… I do recommend discussing LDOM with your doctor.
After all, I’m pretty open about my complementary approach to medicine. I will always choose to mix the best of the alternative world with the best of the conventional world to help you achieve the best outcome, no matter the concern. (Hair loss is no different.)
And since many of you frequently turn to solutions to combat hair loss, I felt it was important to report on the facts.
Source:
“Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil: Expert Consensus Provide Guidance for Treating Hair Loss.” MDedge, 11/26/2024. (mdedge.com/dermatology/article/271735/hair-nails/low-dose-oral-minoxidil-expert-consensus-provide-guidance-treating-hair-loss)