When hair thins, men get into trouble. While one radically reaches for the razor, the other tries shampoos and tinctures. Does that bring anything?
But only drugs are really effective, says Professor Ulrike Blume-Peytavi, deputy clinic director of the clinic for dermatology, venereology and allergology at the Charité in Berlin. the expert explains why this is so.
Hereditary hair loss can be delayed
Hair loss can have different causes. In men it is often hereditary. “In the case of hereditary hair loss, there is a genetic predisposition to hair loss,” explains Blume-Peytavi. This cannot be prevented with shampoo or dietary supplements. A cure in the classic sense is also not possible, since no gene therapy approach is in sight. The good news: Medicines can slow down the process or even stop it completely, and in some cases even allow hair to grow back.
Finasteride interferes with the hormonal balance
The mechanism by which the hair follicles die off in some men has now been partially explored. In men who are predisposed accordingly, the hair roots are overly sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of the hormone testosterone.
The two drugs available on the market, finasteride and minoxidil, interfere with this process in different ways. “Finasteride intervenes directly in the metabolism by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone,” explains Blume-Peytavi. The drug, which is taken in the form of a tablet, requires a prescription and is only approved for men.
Efficacy well documented
The drug minoxidil works in a completely different way: the active ingredient, originally developed as a blood pressure drug, improves blood circulation in the scalp and seems to be as effective as finasteride. According to Blume-Peytavi, the drug is effective in both men and women and is freely available in pharmacies as a solution.
The only downside: It has to be rubbed into the scalp every day and only works as long as you take it. “The effectiveness of both drugs has been well documented,” says the expert. In about 60 to 70 percent of men, hair loss can be slowed down or stopped.
Libido disorders possible
Both finasteride and minoxidil are considered to be well tolerated. However, the drugs are not completely free of side effects. As with any product that comes into contact with the skin, minoxidil can, in rare cases, lead to a contact allergy. Finasteride interferes with the hormonal balance and can therefore also have consequences: “Around two percent of users report libido disorders,” explains the dermatologist. The amount of sperm may also be slightly reduced.
First clarify the cause
In order to benefit from the effects of the medication, however, men have to dig into their own pockets, the health insurance companies do not pay for the medication. Depending on the drug, you have to reckon with about 10 to 40 euros per month for the application. Every man has to decide for himself whether he wants to pay this price for the rest of his life. “We do not recommend these drugs as a preventive measure for fear that hereditary hair loss could develop,” says Blume-Peytavi.
If it starts with hair loss, however, timely application makes sense. However, you should consult a dermatologist beforehand. “It must be ensured that the hair loss is hereditary, otherwise the application makes no sense,” says the expert.
