Hair loss is a condition affecting over 30% of men with nearly 40% showing signs of hair loss by the time they are 35 years old. There are a variety of causes of hair loss, but the most common cause of balding in men is a hereditary condition known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). MPB is a genetic condition which currently has no known cure. However, MHRA approved drugs are available, which help to slow down hair loss and promote new growth.
This blog post discusses an approach known as a combination treatment. Combination treatment is a two-pronged solution tackling the cause of hair loss while promoting hair regrowth at the same time. Read more to find out how this works and if it’s something that will benefit you.
What Is Combination Therapy For Hair Loss?
Combining two effective hair loss medications increases the chances of preventing the effects of male pattern baldness, even reversing the condition in some cases. Finasteride is a daily oral treatment for hair loss and coupling it with Minoxidil, a topical scalp treatment, tips the scales in your favour. Using a caffeine shampoo as well as overall good hair care will help tackle male pattern baldness. Combination treatments are more effective in the early stages of the condition, especially for men between the ages of 18 and 40.
How Does Combination Treatment Work?
Male pattern baldness is a result of genetic factors and involves the actions of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT induces changes in hair follicles on the scalp, causing the hair produced by the affected follicles to shrink in size progressively. Over time, these follicles become smaller in diameter, lighter in colour and shorter in length. Consequently, the hair on the scalp becomes thinner, the hairline recedes and you go bald.
As one half of the treatment, finasteride works by blocking the effects of DHT on the follicles. It falls into a group of drugs known as DHT blockers whose effects are temporary. Finasteride comes in daily doses, and if you stop taking it, its effects will slowly wear off, and hair loss resumes. Finasteride is not a cure for hair loss.
The second half of the dynamic duo is minoxidil, the active ingredient in Maxogaine Forte Men, stimulates shrunken follicles. Minoxidil helps to increase blood flow to the scalp, delivering vital nutrients to the follicles and stimulating growth in diameter and size. The drug also boosts the hair growth cycle and promotes thicker hair. Maxogaine is a solution or foam that you apply to the scalp once or twice a day, depending on the strength of the active ingredient. There is no interference between the ingredients in the two medicines, which is why you can use both of them at the same time.
When Can You Expect To See Some Improvement?
Everyone is different, and the medicines will not deliver similar results in everyone. It is crucial to understand that these drugs may not work for everyone. A consultation with a hair specialist is, therefore, essential before you start taking any medication to tackle hair loss.
Finasteride comes in tablet form for taking orally once every day. Typically if you stick to the script, you can start seeing an improvement in your hair from about three months. It is worth noting it may take up to 6 months before you start seeing the results.
Applying your minoxidil containing scalp foam or solution twice daily will deliver results sooner. In as little as two months, you will observe some improvement in hair coverage. Supporting hair health through supplementation or using a caffeine shampoo may help deliver results faster in some cases.
What Are The Side Effects Of Combining Treatments?
There are no known side effects of using both drugs in combination. However, there is still the likelihood of developing some side effects due to the impact of each drug individually. Although uncommon, some side effects of finasteride include:
- Depression
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorder
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Side effects are rare, but you should discuss any concerns with your doctor during the consultation. Some of the potential side effects of minoxidil include headaches, inflammatory skin disorder, dry skin, dermatitis, plus others.
What Other Remedies Can I Use For Hair Loss?
You can complement a combination treatment by using hair growth boosters such as hair supplements or caffeine shampoo. Caffeine shampoos often contain additional elements such as zinc, niacin and vitamin A which are essential for healthy hair.
Vinci Hair Clinic offers a range of treatments for male pattern baldness. Combination treatments are proven to work in the majority of cases, but it’s a temporary solution. If you stop taking the medicine, hair loss will resume. When you book a consultation, your doctor will discuss medical treatments as well as any surgical options which may suit your particular circumstances. Get in touch to find out more about combination treatments and other solutions to hair loss today.
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