I want you to take a minute and think of what you have stored in your medicine cabinet.
Some cold and flu meds to make it through the winter months? Your daily prescription to regulate your thyroid? Or maybe some tablets from your physiotherapist that helped with inflammation from your sprained ankle a few years back?
When you really take a second to think about it, there is oral medication for almost everything. It’s honestly pretty amazing how scientists and doctors were able to work together to come up with solutions for so many problems…
But here you are; looking for a solution for your hairline…maybe even feeling a little helpless.
The good news is, science did not forget about you!
Despite new technology such as PRP bringing great success to hair loss patients around the world, did you know that there is still a presence of oral medications that can help combat hair loss?
That’s right– a pill for your hair loss!
Now this isn’t just any pill that is promoted by influencers on the wide web. This is a carefully prescribed oral medication for hair loss following a consultation with your physician.
As a physician that deals with hair loss patients on a daily basis, I know that hair loss can be a hard topic to talk about. But I’m here to start the conversation, lay out your options, and give you hope.
Besides, we could all use a little extra hope sometimes!
Below we will dive into:
- What causes hair loss
- Oral medication for hair loss
- Topical creams for hair loss
- Other treatment options
1. What causes hair loss
The truth of the matter is, there are so many causes for hair loss.
Sure, there are more common conditions such as alopecia that directly attacks the hair follicle, but there are also a multitude of other causes for hair loss. Things like genetics, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, lack of essential vitamins and minerals, certain diseases, and even cases of hair loss linked to inflammatory bowel disease, are all conditions that overtime may lead to lack of blood flow to the hair follicle.
One thing that a lot of these conditions have in common, is that they start from the inside– and work their way out to affect your hair. Therefore, although hair loss conditions are more noticeable on the outside, most often, the root cause of the conditions go far beneath the surface of your skin.
That is where oral and topical medication come in!
2. Oral medication for hair loss
At this point, I’m sure you are wondering how oral medication works for hair loss, and its benefits!
One benefit of taking oral medication for hair loss, is the fact that it is convenient. In fact, a study has shown that although topical creams are effective to treat hair loss conditions, a lot of people fail to comply with the directions to apply their topical treatment twice daily. This means that people who fail to apply their cream may be missing out on optimal results.
This is where oral medication comes into play. Oral minoxidil for example, is an oral medication that has been proven its effectiveness for healthy patients that may have found it difficult to stay consistent with the use of topical creams. It also minimizes the risk of skin irritation, and compromised hair texture that topical creams may impose.
So how does oral medications for hair loss really work?
As mentioned previously, although we perceive hair health to be something that is influenced by external issues, most of the time hair loss issues start far beneath the skin.
Most oral hair loss medications work by increasing blood flow to the roots of your hair (the hair follicle), which helps to thicken hair overtime. A lot of times, hair loss is simply a result of the hair follicle thinning overtime, until it completely dissipates. Therefore, oral medication, such as oral minoxidil will help prevent this from happening.
3. Topical cream for hair loss
Other dermatologist recommended hair loss treatment, is topical medication such as topical minoxidil. This medication has resulted in great success for many hair loss patients around the world, and can be a great option for you if you are one that stays consistent with application, and are willing to work out any potential skin irritations with your skin care physician.
Your dermatologist or skin care physician may even offer their own combination of unique topical formulas containing a combination of different property compounds that will help stimulate your hair growth.
No matter your hair loss situation, there is a unique approach that can aid with your hair regrowth.
4. Other hair loss treatment option
Another dermatologist recommended hair loss treatment, is in-person treatments.
Though people see great results from both oral and topical hair loss treatments, if you have the time and budget to keep up with treatments that may show quicker results, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be a great option for you.
To learn more about the ins and outs of PRP click here!
Takeaways
Although oral medicine can be a great option for you, please note that such medications should only be prescribed by your dermatologist or skin care physician, as you don’t want to get your hopes up, or worse– waste your money!
If you are interested in learning more about how oral medication can help your hair loss issues, I welcome you to book a consultation with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, a skin care physician who offers hair loss treatment in Vancouver B.C, and also operates a tele dermatology clinic.
With years of experience with hair loss patients, and her personalized approach, she is sure to find a solution for you through her in-office or tele dermatology clinic!
References:
Randolph M, Tosti A. Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(3):737-746. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.100 9