What kinds of treatments are currently available for hair loss and is it possible that a cure for male baldness will soon be found? One thing is definite: thousands of men are hoping that is the case! Not only would a cure for hair loss be a welcome relief for men and their egos, it would also be a financial bonanza for the organization that discovers it. Because of this, researchers are working tirelessly to find an answer.
Leading researchers believe that gene therapy will provide the cure for hair loss. Initial research has yielded promising results, and most experts believe a cure will be developed within ten years. Right now clinical trials are being arranged for possible cures that have been developed in the labs. But what options are available to men right now?
Of the products currently available, Rogaine and Propecia show the most promise. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine and it helps to increase the flow of blood to the scalp; Propecia contains finasteride, which blocks the formation of DHT, the hormone that is responsible for hair loss. The majority of men use both products in combination in order to increase their chances of slowing or stopping their hair loss. While these options usually end hair loss, they do not generally help hair to grow back.
Avodart is an off brand treatment. This powerful medication effectively blocks both varieties of enzymes that create DHT. Avodart should only be used under strict supervision by a physician because it can cause some potentially serious side effects. It’s usually not recommended for younger men as it can cause a decreased libido as well as ejaculation disorders.
Hair transplant surgery, while an effective choice, can be quite expensive. It is the most effective method of dealing with hair loss and baldness. The process is a simple matter of redistribution: The doctor removes healthy hairs from non-balding areas of the scalp and transplants them into the balding areas. Hair transplants have proven effective, and are especially suited to men who have not seen results from medical treatment (Rogaine, Propecia).
Another option that has been widely promoted is the Hair Max laser comb. The FDA approved it in 2007. The laser comb, like Minoxidil, works by increasing the blood flow to the scalp. Individual users have reported good results, but the small sample sizes used in the clinical studies leave some researchers skeptical.
Several natural remedies such as Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin Seed Oil are available, but there is little documented evidence of their effectiveness. There is no clinical proof that these alternatives are effective and it is suspected that they mainly act as placebos.
But the undeniable fact, which will delight men everywhere, is that hair loss should be completely cured within our lifetimes. The size of the market and the improvements in research, especially in genetic therapy, would seem to indicate that a cure could be on the horizon. For now, though, Rogaine and Propecia offer the best results for the money.
