Two drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat male pattern hair loss: Minoxidil (Rogaine), and Finasteride (Propecia).

Minoxidil is a liquid solution applied to the scalp twice daily to maintain or reduce the rate of hair loss. This slowing of hair loss occurs for the majority of Minoxidil patients; a smaller minority re-grows some hair as well. Its most common side effect is scalp irritation, which occurs in a small number of patients. The earlier Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss, the more effective it is, but it must be used twice daily, indefinitely, to maintain its benefits. Patients lose the hair regained or maintained about four to six months after they stop using Minoxidil; it will not, however, promote further hair loss itself if stopped .

Finasteride ( Propecia ) is an oral medication that also maintains and delays hair loss. Unlike Minoxidil, only male patients should use Finasteride, since it can cause birth defects in women who become pregnant while on the medication. It has been studied for over ten years, and, like all oral medications, has a few side effects that patients should note, such as infrequent cases of decreased libido or sexual function. No harmful interactions with other drugs, allergic reactions, or blood monitoring have been reported with Finasteride. Like Minoxidil, it is more effective at the early stages of hair loss, and must be used indefinitely to continue delaying hair loss: and as with Minoxidil, patients lose the hair regained or maintained about four to six months after they stop using Finasteride; it will not, however, promote further hair loss itself.

Using either minoxidil and/or finasteride with or without a transplant is the most effective treatment for maintaining existing hair. If a patient is a candidate for a transplant and has existing hair, using a medication in conjunction with surgery will result in the maximum perceived density. Some of our patients decide to use only medications, some use both medication and surgery and others chose only to pursue surgery.  While medications can be an excellent adjunct to surgery they are elective and the short term (1-3 years) and long term (10-30) cosmetic results should be natural with or without medications.

Through the Internet and other media outlets, myriad of products claim to stop or counteract hair loss, but Minoxidil and Finasteride are the only ones that have withstood scientific scrutiny. Over the next several years, the FDA will likely approve other medications currently in clinical trials.

In 2007 the FDA approved an LLLT (low level laser light therapy) device in the treatment of male pattern hair loss.  It received a 510K approval, which means that the device is safe to use in the treatment of male pattern hair loss.  Currently there are few peer-reviewed studies. Our office is currently conducting a clinical trail on LLLT for male and female pattern hair loss. We hope this study and others will provide more information regarding how well these devices work for male and female pattern hair loss.