Hair Loss Toronto

In Step 1 we established that the major cause of Male Pattern Baldness is directly related to hormonal issues. Specifically, the interaction of the hormone DHT, and Androgens. We have also established that a bad scalp environment (inflammation, itching, and flaking) is another major byproduct of DHT and Androgen activities, and can be incredibly detrimental to the success of any hair loss treatment regimen if not brought under control. In Step 2 we did a quick evaluation of the various types of hair loss typically found in men. Now we’re going to discuss the 5 major types of hair loss treatments, and how each controls or reverses hair loss in its own unique way. A good understanding of Step 1 is imperative for truly understanding this information.

The Five Major Types of Hair Loss treatments

1. DHT Inhibitors - Work to inhibit the binding of Testosterone and 5-Alpha Reductase, which in turn keeps DHT levels close to normal, which in turn helps keep hair growth and loss regulation at its normal healthy state. These treatments truly deal with hair loss at the “root” of the problem.

2. Growth Stimulator’s - Work on a symptomatic level to artificially stimulate growth, without actually dealing with hair loss at the cause of the problem. While this may sound like an ineffective method, growth stimulator’s are actually a very successful way to at least cosmetically reverse the balding process.

3. SOD’s - Also known as Super Oxide Dismutase, these hair loss treatments work by handling the immune response which occurs as a result of excessive DHT in the follicle. When cells sense a foreign body, they release Super Oxide, which typically help defend the body against invading viruses, cells, and foreign tissues. SOD’s reduce the presence of this Super Oxide, thus reducing the body’s desire to reject the follicle. It’s yet another “angle” proven to work in fighting hair loss. SOD’s are kind of a hybrid treatment because they also have growth stimulation properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Anti-Inflammatory’s - These treatments work to reduce inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking which is caused as a result of the immune response, and which can make hair loss even worse if not controlled.

5. Antiandrogens - The goal of Antiandrogen treatments is to stop DHT from binding to the Androgen receptor. As we discussed in Step 1, this is one of the steps in the chain of chemical reactions which ultimately leads to hair loss. Whereas DHT Inhibitors go to the first chemical interaction and stop it from occurring, Antiandrogens come in about 3/4 of the way down the process, and inhibit one of the last interactions before damage to the follicle occurs. Both types of treatments work in different parts of the process to stop the process from completing.

Putting a Face to the Name

Which treatment falls into which category? The table below outlines the only clinically proven treatments on the market today for men and women, and where each fits in. As you can see, many of them fit more than one type of category. Propecia and some custom formulations of Minoxidil such as Xandrox, as well as Proxiphen, are all available by prescription only. Dutasteride is currently available in the form of Avodart, but it is only approved for the treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (just like Propecia when it first came out as the same type of drug in the form of Proscar). The majority of the rest of these products are considered over the counter. It helps to categorize them by what they do best, and what they’re intended for. The table below should help you do just that:

DHT Inhibitors » Propecia » Revivogen » Crinagen » Dutasteride » Progesterone Creams » Xandrox	Growth Stimulants » Rogaine » Tricomin » Folligen » Proxiphen » Prox-N » Nano Shampoo » Retin-A
SOD’s » Tricomin » Folligen » Proxiphen » Proxiphen-N	Anti-Inflammatory’s » Tricomin » Nizoral » T-Gel » Betadine » Folligen » Proxiphen » Proxiphen-N
Antiandrogens » Revivogen » Crinagen » Spironolactone » Nizoral 1% and 2% (Ketoconazole) » Proxiphen

Now it’s time to decide which of these treatments are best for you.