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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Control Hair Fall?

Sir, I have lost more no of hairs in the front part of the head and my friend suggested to have ( mintop or hair 4u ) product . I want to know which to use and through internet I have understood that it has side effects , kindly guide me the product which is safe and give some info about whether these products really do have side effects
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

You seem to have androgenetic alopecia in which hair loss and thinning is mainly from the front part of the scalp and from the angles of the anterior hair line so that the anterior hair line becomes V shaped. There is gradual recession of the anterior hair line as well.
There is a positive family history.
Treatment is with topical Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride.
Treatment is long term; effects are usually evident in 3-6 months. Maximum improvement is by 1-2 years. Thereafter, minoxidil may be used as a maintenance treatment, once daily Or every alternate days.
Oral Finasteride is to be continued life long.
Topical Minoxidil is largely safe. It may occasionally cause headache if used in more than the recommended amount.
Oral Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase; this is the main enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is the main culprit behind hair thinning and hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia.
It is US FDA approved. 1-2 % of patients on finasteride may report sexual side effects like decreased libido. However, this side effect is reversible on continued treatment.
Both of these are prescription products, therefore I suggest you to visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as appropriate prescription.

Regards
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How To Control Hair Fall?

Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic You seem to have androgenetic alopecia in which hair loss and thinning is mainly from the front part of the scalp and from the angles of the anterior hair line so that the anterior hair line becomes V shaped. There is gradual recession of the anterior hair line as well. There is a positive family history. Treatment is with topical Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride. Treatment is long term; effects are usually evident in 3-6 months. Maximum improvement is by 1-2 years. Thereafter, minoxidil may be used as a maintenance treatment, once daily Or every alternate days. Oral Finasteride is to be continued life long. Topical Minoxidil is largely safe. It may occasionally cause headache if used in more than the recommended amount. Oral Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase; this is the main enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main culprit behind hair thinning and hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia. It is US FDA approved. 1-2 % of patients on finasteride may report sexual side effects like decreased libido. However, this side effect is reversible on continued treatment. Both of these are prescription products, therefore I suggest you to visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as appropriate prescription. Regards