WHY AM I LOSING HAIR AND WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE
WHAT IS CAUSING MY HAIR LOSS
Male pattern baldness (MPB) is an extremely common condition. Hair loss for many men may begin in the late teens or early 20s, and, by the age of 35 to 40, approximately 66% of men will experience some degree of hair loss. Typical on-start of male pattern baldness includes hair loss beginning in the frontal temple areas or over the vertex, (the crown of the head). It is now known that hair loss can be attributed to the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of testosterone. This metabolic conversion, catalyzed by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, takes place in the scalp. The activity of 5-alpha reductase has been shown to adversely affect hair follicles and is directly related to increased hair loss.
SO WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR HAIR LOSS
In Europe and the United States, there are two drugs approved by the relevant authorities for the treatment of male pattern baldness: MINOXIDIL which is a topical solution applied directly to the affected areas and
PROPECIA which contains the active ingredient FINASTERIDE and is taken as a tablet once a day. Minoxidil 2% solution has been available for almost 10 years, initially only by prescription but now is available ‘over the counter’ from pharmacies. In November 1997, minoxidil 5% (Rogaine Extra Strength for Men) solution was approved for sale as an OTC item as well.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINOXIDIL AND PROPECIA
MINOXIDIL
No one really understands how minoxidil works, but it is believed that the drug opens potassium channels, which could increase blood flow to the scalp or even stimulate hair follicles directly. The 5% solution appears superior to the 2% solution, as measured by hair regrowth and overall hair density. Re-growth may occur as early as two months after starting treatment with the 5% solution and after four months with the 2% solution. After 48 weeks of treatment, users of the 5% solution displayed 46% greater overall hair regrowth than did users of the 2% solution. There is no significant difference between the two concentrations in terms of systemic side effects; however, cardiovascular--but minor and localized--side effects such as erythema, itchiness, and dryness are more frequent with the 5% solution.
PROPECIA
In contrast to minoxidil, the mechanism of action of propecia (finasteride) is well documented. The drug acts by blocking the enzyme 5-Alpha reductase. The reduced activity of 5-alpha reductase results in a 66% decrease of DHT concentration in the scalp. Clinical trials reported 83% of male patients with mild to moderate hair loss kept their hair or had grown more hair after one year of propecia treatment. Compared with placebo, the frequency of side effects associated with propecia appear minimal, although statistically significant. Reported side effects, caused by the drug's antiandronergic properties, include difficulty achieving erection, a diminished desire for sex, and/or a decreased amount of semen. The 5-mg dosage of propecia carries a warning against exposure of women to semen from men who are taking the drug; the 1-mg dosage carries no such warning.
Avodart – The New Kid on the Block
Avodart is a new medicine made by GlaxoSmithKline containing the active ingredient
Dutasteride. Avodart (Dutasteride ) was originally developed for treating prostate enlargement, a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. In the US, it has passed Phase II testing for the treatment of hair loss in men but has formal approval as a prostate treatment medication only.
How Avodart (Dutasteride) Works
Avodart inhibits a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that appears to cause hair loss in most men. DHT is also the main cause of prostate enlargement in many men (also known as BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Avodart works by inhibiting the activities of two types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes (propecia only inhibits one type of 5-alpha reductase) These enzymes are responsible in the body for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Avodart lowers DHT levels substantially.
Avodart (Dutasteride) - The Evidence
GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Dutasteride, has completed Phase II trials for the FDA approval of Avodart (Dutasteride) as a treatment for hair loss. After six months of treatment, hair counts measured in a 1 inch diameter increased by about 96 hairs with 0.5mg of Avodart (Dutasteride). This is compared with an increase of only 72 hairs with the administration of 5mg Finasteride (Propecia).
The Difference Between Avodart and Propecia
Both medications work in a similar way, lowering DHT levels. However, Avodart inhibits the action of two types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes (type I and type II). Propecia (Finasteride) only inhibits one type of the enzyme (type II). Avodart is more potent. Avodart has been shown to decrease levels of DHT by about 30% more than Propecia (Finasteride).
Avodart is available through our pharmcies
Our doctors do prescribe Avodart (Dutasteride) and our pharmacy despatches it within 24 hours. But for your own protection, everyone applying online must be screened by our doctors. This is a quick, confidential process but it can allow for the delivery of your medication within 24 hours.
