Question 406 of 433
Why am I losing my hair, and does anything work?
The short answer
Most hair thinning in men and women is hereditary and hormone-driven. Two treatments have good evidence, and both work better the earlier they are started.
Topical minoxidil helps pattern hair loss in both sexes. Low-dose oral minoxidil is prescribed off-label and needs assessment for blood pressure effects, edema, tachycardia, and relevant cardiac risks. Finasteride slows male-pattern loss; a small number of men have sexual side effects. Laser caps add a modest benefit. In women, sudden shedding deserves a check of iron, thyroid, and recent stress or illness, and thinning often accelerates at menopause. Biotin helps only people who are deficient, which is rare, and it interferes with some blood tests, including a heart attack test.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
HUMAN TRIALS — Pattern hair loss: treatment-specific benefits; oral minoxidil is off-label and needs cardiovascular assessment.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 27, Q406 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.