Woman's Hair Blowing in Wind

What medications are available and what do they do for you?

The two most common medications are Rogaine and Propecia.

Rogaine is a topical solution that is sold at a local drug store, a prescription is not required.  It is best known to work on the top or crown of your head versus the frontal area.  Rogaine is not known for growing hair, but it is able to allow you to keep the hair that you already have.

There are limited side effects with the use of Rogaine in a 2 percent solution of minoxidil.  It does however require continued use.  You should apply this twice a day.  There is an increased strength of 5 percent solution that may be more effective; however, there are side effects with this intense solution.  These side effects could include skin irritation, unwanted hair grown on the face, headaches and ankle swelling.

Another option for hair loss prevention is Propecia, another form of medication.  This is a lower dose of a common medication that is normally used to treat prostate conditions in men.  A prescription is required to obtain this medication.  This medication is taken once per day.  It has been shown to show hair loss and allows you to grow more hair, as time progresses.  This medication is best used when you still have enough hair to retain.

With Propecia, there are possible side effects of sexual side effects, including decreased libido.  These may disappear over time or when the medication is stopped.  This treatment may be easier than Rogaine, as it simply involves taking a medication daily versus the application process involved with Rogaine.

Unfortunately, the problem with both medications is you have to continue use to continue to see results.  When you stop using the above medications, your hair loss may return.

If medications are not for you, you can try natural methods or try surgical procedures. The surgical procedures may be more evasive than any other method.

One other important thing to consider with medications, if you are taking medications for other various conditions, such as thyroid medication, heart medication or any other condition, one of the side effects may be hair loss.  If you are experiencing hair loss, you should check with your doctor if your medications are causing it.  If it is, the hair loss may discontinue when you stop taking the medication.

Finally, if you are considering taking medications for hair loss, make sure that this medicine will not affect any of your other medications.