Diagnosis of hair loss

Typically, male baldness is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of hair loss, along with detailed medical history, which include questions about the prevalence of hair loss in the family. Examination of the scalp under magnification may also help in curing balding. This assessment is very important for recommending the proper course of treatment. Additionally, doctors may also carry out a hair analysis or a scalp biopsy to properly diagnose hair loss.

Norwood Scale – A useful tool for hair loss diagnosis, it carries a chart of hair loss pictures which describe the extent of hair loss. There are many variants in pattern hair loss and the images on the Norwood Scale have been cited as the most typical.

Treatment of hair loss

There are only two baldness treatments that have been approved by the U.S. FDA for male pattern baldness. They are Minoxidil (also called Rogaine/Regaine) and Propecia finasteride.

Minoxidil (Rogaine/Regaine)- A vasodilator medication, Minoxidil was originally used for the treatment of high blood pressure – hair growth and reversing baldness were simply the side effects of this drug. Today it has been approved for use in the form of a topical solution that contains 2% minoxidil for baldness hair loss treatment.

It has been proven that minoxidil hair loss treatment can effectively treat baldness in both the frontal areas of the scalp as well as the vertex area. However, the mechanism of action for minoxidil is not yet known.

Finasteride (Propecia)- Finasteride, marketed as Propecia by Merck, belongs to a class of drugs called aza-steroids. Finasteride works as a ‘DHT inhibitor’ and has been approved by the US FDA as an effective cure for baldness. The drug works by binding itself to 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of free testosterone to DHT.

With the use of finasteride baldness cure in a 5-year study, it was revealed that 9 of 10 men taking finasteride 1mg/day experienced visible results like no further hair loss and hair regrowth in both the crown area and the hairline. Propecia works most successfully in the crown area. Finasteride is prescribed for men only and women and children must not even handle the drug. It my also cause severe birth defects in male fetuses.

How to prevent hair loss?

Hair loss can be prevented by:

• Taking care of your hair
• Limiting the use of hair dyes, curling irons and hairdryers
• Coloring your hair once in about 6 to 8 weeks
• Letting your hair turn naturally gray
• Never stretching your hair with tight braiding
• Eating the right foods
• Adding calcium to your diet; it strengthens hair follicles and hair roots
• Leading a healthy and regular lifestyle
• Sleeping on time and getting enough rest