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How effective are hair loss treatments like Biotin, Rogaine, or Propecia?
Answer by Nature Crazy:
I’m going to answer your questions in reverse order.
1. Rogaine – Minoxidil is the main ingredient marketed in many popular mainstream hair loss products such as Rogaine and works by opening up ATP sensitive potassium channels in the hair follicles which increases hair growth through the derma papilia. Unfortunately, the hair growth effect is short term as the single thing minoxidil is really doing is counterbalancing for a mineralocorticoid and electrolyte imbalance, which is adjusted by magnesium, potassium and other compounds. In other words, it creates minoxdil dependent hairs that will shed once you stop using it.
A good alternative would be to opt for a natural topical that does not create dependent hairs but rather stimulates hair growth naturally. For example, did you know that Rosemary essential oil used topically by itself is just as effective for hair loss as minoxidil?
In fact, a recent study tested Rosemary essential oil against 2% topical minoxidil for the treatment of male pattern balding and showed that both reduced hair loss but scalp itching was more frequent in the minoxidil group versus rosemary. This demonstrates that rosemary essential oil is just as efficient for hair loss as minoxidil – but safer and not detrimental in the long run. Here is a link to that study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25842469
2. Propecia – Propecia also referred to as Finasteride is a common main stream hair loss treatment recommended by dermatologists and doctors for thinning hair. It prevents the formation of DHT by decreasing impeding 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. As a result, testosterone levels increase but so does excess estrogen which is not good for the body.
Excess Estrogen negatively impacts glucose metabolism, so the greater the amount of estrogen in a male, the more damaging effects on insulin sensitivity. This also explains why finasteride loses its punch as our Sex Hormone Binding Gobulin levels increase. Also because it impedes 5-alpha reductase in an unnatural way it affects the Gaba receptors in the brain which again can lead to side effects such as anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
If you knew these side effects were the price to pay to keeping a full head of hair you and others might actually still comply. Unfortunately, this is not the case as propecia is estimated to only be 40% effective in many men that take it because it doesn’t get to the root cause of hair loss.
Consider replacing propecia with a supplement called ecklonia cava that does not cause side-effects, but still reduces enzyme levels of 5-alpha reductase by donating electrons instead of suppressing a gene. Your body loves its protective effects on the liver, kidneys and other major organ systems. Here is a link to the study showing the hair growth effects of ecklonia cava.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22754373
3. Biotin – Not only is it a key component in the hair manufacturing process but it is also essential to grow new hair. To top that off it plays an important role in health of skin and nails. Scientific studies have linked biotin deficiency to hair loss. (see study below) Supplementing with extra biotin can be helpful but there are still many other factors at play when it comes to hair loss.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989391/
For more tips on scientifically proven methods you can utilize check out our video here.
How effective are hair loss treatments like Biotin, Rogaine, or Propecia?
