Oral Hair Medication: Yes or No?

The answer is yes. Oral hair medication is essential for any type of hair treatment, from PRP to a hair transplant itself. Although it is true that the transplanted hair in a hair transplant does not fall out, alopecia continues to progress, so the non-transplanted area must still be treated. Oral hair medication is not a substitute for hair treatments or hair transplantation; they are complementary treatments that work together to achieve the desired results.

Which Are the Best Medications?

There are three main medications commonly prescribed by both trichologists and dermatologists: Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Minoxidil.

The first two belong to the group of non-steroidal antiandrogen medications. Their main function is to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), one of the main causes of alopecia. Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a peripheral vasodilator. In other words, it improves blood flow, helping to promote the growth of hair follicles.

Finasteride

This medication works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Finasteride has been used for over 20 years and has proven effective in slowing the progression of hair loss while improving hair density and thickness. Results usually begin to become visible after six months of treatment.

Dutasteride

Dutasteride is an inhibitor of dihydrotestosterone production that was initially developed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It was introduced around the same time as Finasteride, although it is considered more effective because its action is more selective.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil was originally used as an antihypertensive medication. After its effects on the scalp were discovered, it became available as a 2% and 5% topical solution. Today, it is also prescribed as an oral medication for hair loss. Minoxidil causes vasodilation of the blood vessels supplying the scalp, promoting the growth of hair follicles.

During the first few months of treatment, it is common to notice increased hair shedding. This is a natural consequence of the treatment and usually begins to reverse after the third or fourth month.

If you would like more information about oral medication to help stop hair loss, please do not hesitate to contact us at Instituto Médico del Prado.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid, and performs hair transplants in Mexico, twice a year. If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact us on +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322 or on the contact page of our website. From Mexico you can contact us at +52 55 4590 9909.