Hair Loss Remedies—Separating Fact From Fiction
Hair loss is a common complaint in the outpatient setting. Frequently, patients conduct their own research on hair loss diagnosis and treatment and are faced with a number of manufacturers' claims that their products will benefit hair loss. This paper explores the truth behind those claims of hair regrowth. We intend for this information to serve as a "consumer report" for healthcare providers and patients and to help separate some of the valid claims for hair regrowth from those that are purely fiction.
Any consumer looking on the Internet for a treatment for hair loss is exposed to a multitude of remedies. However, only the FDA-approved treatments for AGA, finasteride and minoxidil, have any well-studied factual evidence of efficacy. Smaller studies have shown possible benefit of combining topical tretinoin with minoxidil, as well as combining finasteride and minoxidil. Spironolactone in high doses (100–200 mg), dutasteride, and saw palmetto, also may provide benefit; however, larger studies are needed to consider these agents as first-line treatments for AGA. In addition to efficacy, clinicians need to consider patient preferences, safety profile, and cost when counseling patients about treatment options for AGA.
