Male and Female Pattern Baldness, also known as “Androgenic Alopecia”, is the most common cause of hair loss. Men typically present with hairline recession at the temples and hair-loss on the upper surface of the head, also known as vertex balding. Women typically present diffuse, or scattered, thinning of the hair over the top of their scalps. People who suffer from this type of hair-loss have an underlying sensitivity to “hair follicle miniaturization” due to androgenic hormones. There are currently two treatments approved by the FDA for treatment:
Finasteride (Propecia®) - The American Hair Loss Association notes finasteride is a prescription oral treatment for male pattern baldness. It reportedly reduces the active levels of DHT in your body to prevent miniaturization of hair follicles. Women should not take oral finasteride due to its risks. In addition, many men who are prescribed finasteride to be taken orally by tablet experience significant side effects including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, gynecomastia, and sexual dysfunction.
Minoxidil (Rogaine®) - This is an over the counter topical treatment that has been used since the 1990s to treat baldness in men and women. It reportedly promotes new hair growth by increasing cutaneous blood flow to shrinking hair follicles. This may cause follicles in the telogen phase to shed, which are then replaced by thicker hairs in a new anagen phase. It is generally recognized as safe and can be effective by itself if used during the early onset of alopecia.
We can offer a compounded formula for men that combines these two FDA approved medications creating a custom product that may treat, prevent, and reverse hair thinning better than either one alone. The compounded solution can be applied directly to the scalp, which lessens the chance of unwanted side effects, as the medications aren’t absorbed systemically.
For women we can also add other active ingredients including biotin, azelaic acid, tretinoin, latanoprost, and ketoconazole. Compounded solutions do require a prescription from your practitioner. Stop by the pharmacy
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
