Is hair loss in your genes? Male pattern baldness is a combination of genes, hormones and aging. If you’re worried about hair loss, take a look at your family tree. There are treatments. Here’s a look at a few choices:
Over the counter options
Rogaine is a liquid or foam that’s applied to your hair to prevent hair loss. It’s typically used twice a day to prevent hair loss and stimulate the scalp to regrow hair. It does take some time to work.
Prescription
Propecia is a prescription medication that’s taken orally every day. Propecia appears to work by inhibiting the formation of DHT, a substance believed to shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
A recent five-year study conducted on a group of men with mild to moderate hair loss found that 48% of those treated with Propecia experienced some regrowth of hair, while an additional 42% had no further hair loss. Research also suggests that Propecia is only effective in treating hair loss when used consistently over a long period of time. Men who discontinue using Propecia generally lose whatever hair they gained during the treatment within about 12 months.
Surgery
A hair transplant is also an option. Hair can be taken from a “donor site” and implanted on your scalp. It’s minimally invasive and is successful for the majority of men. Transplants can last for 30 years.
Talk with a doctor
While there are several hair loss treatments to select from, finding the right one can be tricky. You should talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of each and make an educated decision after you consider all the options.
