Alternative Therapies

Hair Loss Medication

Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia, otherwise know and Finasteride, is a licensed drug specifically used to treat hair loss and male pattern baldness. It comes in the form of a 1mg tablet. This drug treatment is only suitable for men. 

How does it work?

It is medically known that the gradual thinning of successive hair and the eventual loss of hair on the scalp in men can be caused by the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia works by inhibiting Type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, in doing so it reduces the level of DHT in the scalp which can shorten the hair growth cycle and allows hairs to revert back to a normal growth cycle.

Clinical Trials conducted on thousands of men have shown that after 2 years of use 66% of men showed increased hair growth. 30% of men showed a slight improvement, 31% moderate improvement and 5% great increase. 83% of men in the trial showed no further hair loss.

How often do I take it?

Propecia tablets are to be taken once daily. It is important to use continuously for 3-6 months before results are evident.

Are there any side effects?

Propecia is very well tolerated in men, however a small proportion of patients do suffer some side effects. These can include headaches, allergic reaction, impotency and decrease in libido. These are however, often temporary and resolve when medication is stopped. Official figures show that only 2% of men experience any side effects.

Dutasteride (Avodart)

Dutasteride, or otherwise known as Avodart is a 0.5mg soft capsule that is actually licesed for use in benign prostate hyperplasia. It does however indirectly help with male pattern baldness. This drug treatment is only suitable for men. 

How does it work?

Dutasteride works in the same way Propecia does. Dutasteride inhibits both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase enzymes responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT in doing so it reduces the level of DHT in the scalp which can shorten the hair growth cycle and allows hairs to revert back to a normal growth cycle.

How often do I take it?

Dutasteride capusules are taken once daily. Continual usage for 3-6 months is crucial before results start to show.

Are there any side effects?

Dutasteride is very well tolerated in men, however a small proportion of patients do suffer some side effects. These can include headaches, allergic reaction, impotency and decrease in libido. These are however, often temporary and resolve when medication is stopped. Official figures show that only 2% of men experience any side effects.

Minoxidil and Minoxidil + Progesterone

We offer 2 types of Minoxidil, one for men and one for women. Minoxodil is different to the other drugs as this is a liquid based treatment which is massaged into the scalp. The Minoxidil on its own can be used by females and the Minoxidil + Progestrone is used by men.

How does it work?

Minoxidil is a clear liquid scalp medication that should be applied directly onto the scalp and not massaged into your hair. The actual method of how it works still remains a mystery in the medical world, there are however theories that Minoxidil diates the blood vessels around the hair follicles, which in turn increases the nutrient supply and this is what encourage hair growth.  

How often do I take it?

Apply 1ml twice daily. We recommend once in the morning and once in the evening. To apply create a parting in the hair with a comb, apply gentle pressure on the syringe so the solution slowly pours into the scalp. Gently massage into the scalp making sure the entire parting is covered. Then create another parting an inch further over the sclap and repeat the process until you have covered the whole affected area.

Are there any side effects?

There are minimal side effects with Minoxidil, all of which are very well torelated in men and women. They can include headaches, rashes and mild facial hair growth.

WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION

Orlistat - Xenical

All of the prescription weight loss drugs work by suppressing the appetite except for Xenical (orlistat). Approved by the FDA in 1999, Xenical is the first in a new class of anti-obesity drugs known as lipase inhibitors. Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down dietary fat for use by the body. Xenical interferes with lipase function, decreasing dietary fat absorption by 30 percent. Because the undigested fats are not absorbed, fewer calories are available to the body. This may help in controlling weight. The main side effects of Xenical are cramping, diarrhea, flatulence, intestinal discomfort, and leakage of oily stool.

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