The more we learn about how our bodies work, the more we discover treatment alternatives for hair loss. The benefits of trying these alternatives are many, not the least of which is lower cost. Of course, we would all rather learn how to prevent hair loss before it sets in.
Absent a medical condition, most hair loss is caused by DHT, or, dihydrotestosterone. DHT is the male sex hormone testosterone that has been transformed by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. DHT then blocks the blood supply to your hair follicles, killing them.
For many years anyone wanting to stop hair loss had few options other than expensive medical treatments. And, many times, the results were far from satisfactory. Many of these “treatments” were more about putting money in the pockets of the providers than putting hair on the head of the patients.
When the use of hair transplants became an option, positive results became more certain. Even so, the total cost of treatments could easily surpass $20,000.00. The high price, general discomfort involved, and the length of time necessary for these procedures made finding alternatives more and more attractive.
Minoxidil is the only alternative treatment available today that is FDA approved. Of course, many of the “original” hair loss treatments are still being touted, but, beware spending your money on anything that has not been independently proven to work. If you choose to look for other treatment options, it might be wise to let skepticism be your guide.
Disclaimer: This article is based entirely on information commonly available in the national press and medical journals concerning alternative treatments for hair loss. Nothing herein is to be or understood to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice people have to talk with his or her personal physician or other medical specialist.