Hair loss or Baldness involves the loss of hair on the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB).
For many years, scientists thought that MPB was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone. While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, it is now known that Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a metabolite of testosterone, is the primary agent responsible for premature hair loss.
Causes of Hair Loss
Testosterone converts to DHT via the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase which is held in a hair follicle’s oil glands. The level of DHT binding to the receptors in the scalp hair follicles is of major concern in terms of the underlying cause of hair loss. DHT reduces the growth phase of the hair follicle causing them to shrink. Simultaneously, the membrane in the scalp thickens, becoming inelastic and restricting blood circulation. Eventually, the follicle atrophies to a point where hair growth is no longer possible. The normal rest-grow cycle of the hair follicle is altered and follicles remain dormant for the majority of the time. As a result, hairs fall out at the same rate, but are not replaced. Eventually, all the hairs revert to the rest phase and a bald spot, or baldness results.
Other causes of hair loss include: Stress, Medications including some blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, acne and birth control tablets; Hormone imbalances – low progesterone, low thyroid, high DHEA and testosterone; Fungal infections and Nutritional deficiencies such as Vit D and/or iron deficiencies.
Main Compounded Hair Loss Treatments
Combination Topical Solutions: A compounded formula can combine multiple effective agents (like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Tretinoin, and Spironolactone) in one application, simplifying the treatment regimen.
Popular Combinations:
- Finasteride 1% with Minoxidil 7% Topical Liquid - for androgenetic alopecia
- High strength Minoxidil and Finasteride in a scientifically advanced and exclusive foaming easy to apply formula
Key Ingredients Available
For Men and Women:
- Minoxidil - Various strengths (higher than the 5% available over-the-counter)
- Finasteride - Topical formulations to avoid systemic side effects
- Tretinoin - Enhances absorption of other ingredients
Especially for Women:
- Spironolactone - Anti-androgen particularly effective for female pattern hair loss
- Your compounded topical hair loss treatment may include one or a combination of ingredients: Finasteride, Spironolactone, Tretinoin and Minoxidil
Additional Options:
- Latanoprost Topical - Can be compounded with other ingredients and mimics prostaglandin chemicals
Natural Hair Loss Treatment
Newton's Special Hair Lotion This pleasantly fragranced blend of natural oils and herbs has proven very popular over the years. It strengthens hair roots and stimulates hair growth through the specific action of herbal extracts and essential oils.
Main Ingredients:
- Organic Castor Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Arnica Tincture
- Cayenne Tincture
Directions: Apply to the scalp in the evening, massage in and rinse off after 15 minutes.
Over-the-Counter Options
Cosmeceuticals are available over the counter and are applied topically. These ranges contain active ingredients designed to improve and support skin function. No prescription required.
Advantages of Compounding
- Avoiding Allergens and Irritants - Compounding can ensure the absence of preservatives that may cause reactions
- Custom strengths not available commercially
- Multiple ingredients in one application for convenience
- Truly individualized solutions targeting different causes of hair loss
Important: Most effective compounded hair loss treatments require a prescription from a doctor, as they contain prescription-strength active ingredients that aren't available over-the-counter.
