- 1. Minoxidil
- 2. Finasteride
- 3. Spironolactone
- 4. Ketoconazole
- 5. Alphaestradiol
- 6. Cyproterone acetate
Baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, can be treated with remedies for oral use or topical application, which should only be used if recommended by the doctor, since they have some contraindications and can cause adverse effects.
Baldness is characterized by the decrease or absence of hair strands, which results from a sensitivity of hair follicles in certain areas of the scalp to androgens, a process in which treatments interfere.
Some of the remedies that can be prescribed by the doctor to treat baldness are:
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a solution available in concentrations of 2% and 5%, which must be applied to the scalp. This active substance stimulates the growth of the hair follicle and increases the caliber of blood vessels, improving circulation in the area and prolonging the hair growth phase. Learn more about minoxidil.
How to use: The minoxidil solution can be applied to dry scalp, in regions where hair is weaker, with the help of a massage, twice a day. Generally, 5% solutions are prescribed for men and 2% solutions are indicated for women and the amount to be applied is 1 ml at a time, and the duration of treatment is about 3 to 6 months or as indicated by the doctor.
Who should not use: Minoxidil should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula, in pregnant and lactating women. The 5% minoxidil solution should not be used in women, unless the doctor recommends it.
2. Finasteride
Finasteride 1mg, in tablets, is indicated for the treatment of men with androgenic alopecia, to increase hair growth and prevent hair loss.
How to use: The recommended dose is 1 tablet a day for at least 3 months.
Who should not use: Finasteride should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula, women or children, pregnant and lactating women.
3. Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a medication generally indicated for the treatment of hypertension and edematous disorders, however, as it has an anti-androgenic effect, the doctor can prescribe this medication for the treatment of alopecia in women. Spironolactone acts by slowing the progression of hair loss and promoting hair growth, and can be used alone or associated with minoxidil, to enhance hair growth.
How to use: Spironolactone should be used as directed by the doctor, and can be used in doses of 50 to 300 mg.
Who should not use: Spironolactone is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the components, with acute renal failure, significant decrease in renal function, anuria, Addison's disease and hyperkalaemia. In addition, it should also not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
4. Ketoconazole
Topical ketoconazole is an antifungal used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Although the main indication is not to treat baldness, it is known that the topical application of this active ingredient, associated with other remedies for baldness, can be beneficial for people suffering from this disease.
How to use: Shampoo with ketoconazole should be applied to the affected parts, leaving it to act for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, it is recommended to apply the product twice a week, for 2 to 4 weeks. To prevent the recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis, the shampoo can be used once a week or once every 2 weeks.
Who should not use: Ketoconazole should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula.
5. Alphaestradiol
The alfaestradiol solution, as is the case with Avicis or Alozex, for example, is indicated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men and women. Learn more about this medicine.
How to use: The product should be applied once a day, preferably at night, using the applicator in light movements, for about 1 minute, so that approximately 3 mL of the solution reaches the scalp. Then, massage the area and wash your hands at the end.
Who should not use: This medication should not be used in people who are allergic to the components of the formula, pregnant, lactating and under 18 years old.
6. Cyproterone acetate
Cyproterone acetate, as is the case with Androcur, has several therapeutic indications, including its indication for the treatment of baldness in women, due to its antiandrogenic action.
How to use: In women of reproductive age, treatment should be started with 100 mg on the 1st day of the cycle (first day of bleeding), for 10 days. Additionally, a combined contraceptive, indicated by the doctor, should be used from the 1st to the 21st day of the cycle, to stabilize the cycle. After that, you must take a 7-day break and, at the end of that break, restart the cyproterone acetate treatment again in the first 10 days of the cycle and the combined contraceptive, from the 1st to the 21st day, and so on. However, the doctor may reduce the dose of cyproterone acetate from 100 mg to 50 mg or 25 mg, or recommend only taking cyproterone acetate + ethinyl estradiol contraceptives, if he considers it sufficient.
Who should not use: Cyproterone acetate should not be used during pregnancy, lactation, in case of liver disease, Dubin-Johnson and Rotor syndrome, people with a history of jaundice or persistent itching during a previous pregnancy, a history of gestational herpes, current or previous liver tumors, history of meningioma, debilitating diseases, severe chronic depression, history of thrombosis, severe diabetes with vascular changes, sickle cell anemia or allergy to the components of the formulation.
In addition to the drugs prescribed by the doctor, nutritional supplements with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and amino acids, for example, can contribute to hair growth. See examples of hair loss supplements.
