5 Categories medications of hair loss treatments

1. DHT Inhibitors

Work to inhibit the binding of Testosterone and 5-Alpha Reductase, which in turn keeps DHT levels close to normal, which in turn helps keep hair growth and loss regulation at its normal healthy state. These treatments truly deal with hair loss at the "root" of the problem. What is DHT and how does it cause hair loss?

hair loss

2. Growth Stimulators

Work on a symptomatic level to artificially stimulate growth, without actually dealing with hair loss at the cause of the problem. While this may sound like an ineffective method, growth stimulators are actually a very successful way to at least cosmetically reverse the balding process.

3. SOD's

Also known as Super Oxide Dismutase, these hair loss treatments work by handling the immune response which occurs as a result of excessive DHT in the follicle. When cells sense a foreign body, they release Super Oxide, which typically help defend the body against invading viruses, cells, and foreign tissues.

SOD's reduce the presence of this Super Oxide, thus reducing the body's desire to reject the follicle. It's yet another "angle" proven to work in fighting hair loss. SOD's are kind of a hybrid treatment because they also have growth stimulation properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Anti-Inflammatory's

These treatments work to reduce inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking which is caused as a result of the immune response, and which can make hair loss even worse if not controlled.

5. Antiandrogens

The goal of Antiandrogen treatments is to stop DHT from binding to the Androgen receptor. As we discussed in Step 1, this is one of the steps in the chain of chemical reactions which ultimately leads to hair loss.

Whereas DHT Inhibitors go to the first chemical interaction and stop it from occurring, Antiandrogens come in about 3/4 of the way down the process, and inhibit one of the last interactions before damage to the follicle occurs. Both types of treatments work in different parts of the process to stop the process from completing.