Hair loss is a deeply personal issue that affects millions worldwide, often impacting self-esteem and confidence.

Understanding Hair Growth Cycles
To truly address hair loss, it’s essential to understand how hair growth works.

Hair growth occurs in cycles, and each hair follicle goes through these stages independently. The three main phases of the hair growth cycle are:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the Growing Phase of your scalp hair and is the longest phase of hair growth, usually lasting from 5-7 years in the average person. In most people, about 85-90 percent of the hairs on your scalp are in the anagen phase at all times. This is the most important phase for healthy hair growth.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase): Catagen is the transition phase of the hair and usually lasts 10 days. In the average person, about 5 percent of the hair on your scalp is in this phase at any given time. During catagen, hair growth slows, the hair follicles shrink, and the hair fiber loosens and finally begins to separate from the bottom of the hair follicle in the final days of growth.

3. Telogen (Resting Phase): Hairs do not grow during the telogen phase, but they do not fall out either. About 10 percent of your scalp hairs are in this phase at any given time. This phase usually lasts around 2-3 months. Telogen hairs are thinner than Anagen hairs.

Exogen Phase: Exogen is the phase when hair is detached and shed from the scalp. Losing 50-100 hairs per day is normal during this phase. This phase usually lasts 2-5 months. It also triggers the beginning of new hair fiber growth in the follicle.

Causes of Hair Loss

Now that we’ve covered the hair growth cycle, it’s important to understand the different factors that can lead to hair loss. Hair loss, or alopecia, can result from various factors, including:

1. Genetic Factors: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss. It is hereditary and influenced by hormones called androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
2. Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders can cause temporary or permanent hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations.
3. Medical Conditions: Diseases such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), scalp infections, and other skin disorders can lead to hair loss.
4. Medications: Certain drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, protein, and vitamins, can contribute to hair loss.
6. Physical or Emotional Stress: Significant stress can trigger a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely.
7. Smoking is known to negatively affect hair growth and contribute to hair loss. If you smoke it is imperative to stop smoking.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride is an FDA approved oral medication primarily used to male benign prostate hypertrophy and male pattern baldness. It has been shown to also be effective in female pattern baldness but can NOT be given to childbearing women. It functions by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated levels of DHT are linked to hair follicle miniaturization, a process that leads to thinner, shorter hair and eventual hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride at low doses helps to slow hair loss and can promote hair regrowth. It is important to note that Finasteride is typically effective only for as long as it is taken. Discontinuation often results in the return of hair loss. Finasteride may be used in postmenopausal and sterilized women. Finasteride at any dosage can NOT be given to childbearing women since it is known to negatively affect the male fetus.

How Dutasteride Works

Dutasteride, like Finasteride, is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor but is more potent. It inhibits both Type I and Type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, leading to a more significant reduction in DHT levels. This makes Dutasteride effective in treating male and female pattern baldness, especially in cases where Finasteride alone is insufficient. Although primarily approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Dutasteride is often prescribed off-label for hair loss. Similar to Finasteride, the benefits of Dutasteride are maintained only with continuous use. What are the side effects of Dutasteride? Childbearing women can NOT take Dutasteride since it is known to negatively affect the male unborn bay.

How Minoxidil Works

Minoxidil is a topical treatment available over-the-counter and is used to treat both male and female pattern baldness. Initially developed as an oral medication for high blood pressure, it was discovered that Minoxidil also promotes hair growth. It works by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and stimulating hair follicles.

Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp, enhancing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles, which can lead to thicker and longer hair. Consistent application is necessary to maintain the benefits, as discontinuing treatment can result in the loss of newly regrown hair. 

At NuGrowthRx™ we use oral minoxidil since it is more effective, less hassle and easier to take one small pill a day. The side effects of both topical and oral may be unwanted facial hair.

How Spironolactone Works

Spironolactone is an oral medication primarily used as a diuretic and for treating conditions like hypertension and heart failure. However, it has anti-androgen properties, making it effective in treating female pattern baldness and other androgen-related hair loss conditions. Spironolactone works by blocking androgen receptors and reducing the production of androgens, including DHT, which can help slow hair loss and promote regrowth in women. It is not typically used for hair loss in men due to its potential feminizing effects. It is used in childbearing women.

Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

Combining treatments can often yield better results than using a single treatment alone. For example, Finasteride or Dutasteride can be used in conjunction with Minoxidil to address both hormonal and follicular aspects of postmenopausal hair loss.

Spironolactone can also be combined with Minoxidil for female patients. However, combining treatments should always be done under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a complex condition with multiple causes, but gaining a deeper understanding of the hair growth cycle and the science behind available treatments can empower you to take control of your hair health.

FDA-approved medications like Finasteride, Dutasteride, Minoxidil, and Spironolactone provide reliable and safe solutions for slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth. Consulting with our board-certified dermatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and health conditions. By harnessing the power of these proven medications and adopting supportive lifestyle habits, you can achieve healthier hair and restore your confidence in your appearance.

Don’t let hair loss hold you back–take the first step towards a fuller, more vibrant head of hair today.

Discover the reason for your hair loss and receive a personalized, physician-formulated plan for optimal hair growth tailored to your needs.

Start your personalized hair regrowth journey with NuGrowthRX™ today. Don’t wait–transform your hair and your life. Click Get Started to begin your consultation and see the difference science can make!