Medications to Treat Hair Loss and Hair Thinning

Hair loss and thinning can affect as many as two-thirds of American men by the time they reach their 30s, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Women can experience hair loss and hair thinning, as well – and both men and women will likely feel the negative effects on their confidence level and overall quality of life.

If you're experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, you may wonder whether there's any medication that can help. Read on to learn more about different treatment options. 

FDA Approved and Off-Label Treatments

Right now, there are two FDA approved medications for thinning and hair loss:

Finasteride (Propecia) is taken orally with the intent to block the production of DHT. This is considered to be effective for hair loss, but it can also cause hypogonadism and other side effects in men due to its effect on hormone production. It is not recommended at all for women. While Defy Medical does offer products with Finasteride, we typically recommend trying other, less aggressive options first.

Minoxidil is a common over-the-counter treatment that reportedly promotes new hair growth by increasing cutaneous blood flow to shrinking hair follicles. It is generally safe and can be effective by itself if used during the early onset of alopecia.

The specialized pharmacies that Defy Medical partners with also offer the below medications:

• Latanaprost – This medication was shown to mimic prostaglandins and significantly increase hair density over a 24-week period for young men with mild hair loss.
• Ketoconazole – Though generally an antifungal cream, this medication has shown promise in countering the effects of DHT on the scalp.
• Spironolactone – This medication is available as an oral tablet or topical medication. Though typically prescribed to help reduce water retention (edema), it may also be used to treat female pattern baldness caused by excessive androgens. It may also lower testosterone and androgen levels produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• Azelaic Acid – This acid is a natural antibiotic that also shows promise in inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase in the skin, which would in turn reduce the amount of DHT in the body.

Defy Medical can prescribe compounded foams and topical applications of these medications, in different combinations depending on the needs of the patient.

Compounded Hair Loss Medication Options

The compounded formulas we can prescribe for hair loss and hair thinning include:  

• Andro Block Level 1 Hair Solution – This topical formula includes Minoxidil and Ketoconazole, which can help treat thinning hair in men and women.
• Andro Block Level 2 Hair Solution – This topical formula includes Minoxidil and Azelaic Acid and is designed for mild to moderate hair loss.
• Andro Block F Hair Solution – This topical formula includes Minoxidil, Ketoconazole, Azelaic Acid, and Finasteride designed for the treatment of noticeable hair loss and androgenic alopecia.  
• Latanoprost 0.01% Topical Foam – This foam includes the active ingredient Latanoprost and is often recommended for people with mild hair loss.
• Finasteride 0.1%/Latanoprost 0.01% Topical Foam – This topical foam includes Finasteride and Latanoprost and is typically used to treat androgenic alopecia in male patients.
• Spironolactone 25mg tablet – This oral medication may help with female-pattern baldness caused by excessive androgens.
• Finasteride 5mg Tablets – This is an oral tablet for the FDA-approved hair loss treatment Finasteride.