What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil was first used in tablet form as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, but it was noticed that some patients being treated with minoxidil, experienced excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) as a side-effect. Further research showed that by applying minoxidil in solution form directly to the scalp, it could prove to be beneficial to those experiencing topical hair thinning.
Clinical Results of Minoxidil for Women
In controlled clinical studies of women aged 18-45, 2 out of 3 women with moderate degrees of hereditary hair loss reported re-growth after using 2% minoxidil. Initial results occur at 4 months with maximum results occurring at 8 months. The good news for women is that in general, minoxidil has been found to benefit women to a higher degree than men.
For women, the Belgravia Centre usually recommends minoxidil at a strength of 4 or 5% with MPG added or sometimes our extra-strength 12.5% minoxidil cream with Azelaic acid added. Our female patients are carefully monitored during treatment and their progress on these strengths is very encouraging.
How Minoxidil Helps Reduce Hair Loss and Increase Hair Growth
Whilst minoxidil encourages hair growth and hair loss stabilisation, the exact molecular mechanism operating in the cells that result in hair growth is not known. Some experts believe that minoxidil dilates the blood vessels around hair follicles, increasing the nutrient supply and encouraging increased hair growth, however, this is still an unproven theory, as other vasodilator drugs do not appear to promote hair growth.
Another theory is that topical Minoxidil induces a significant increase in DNA synthesis in hair follicle cells. Minoxidil is a stable and inactive drug, when applied to the scalp and absorbed into the skin it is converted to an active, unstable product called 'Minoxidil Sulphite'. Our body produces a catalyst called sulfonyl transferase that converts the inactive minoxidil into the unstable active minoxidil sulphite. Minoxidil sulphite activates potassium channels in cells and this is thought to lead to hair growth.
Whilst there is no conclusive evidence as to why minoxidil encourages hair growth, the fact is that it does, be it to varying degrees.
What is Medroxyprogesterone (MPG)?
Medroxyprogesterone (MPG) can be found in our Minoxidil 4 and 5% solutions depending on the recommendations of the trichologist for each individual. MPG helps to prevent the hormone derivative 'dihydrotestosterone' from interfering with the hair follicles function. This complements Minoxidil's reaction with the follicles, and adds to the response that is achieved. When MPG is added to Minoxidil it becomes a prescription-only treatment but in many cases Minoxidil will be provided without MPG contained.
What is Azelaic Acid (AA)?
Like medroxyprogesterone, which is added to the 4-5% minoxidil solutions, azelaic acid is added to our 12.5% minoxidil cream. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from the areas in which it is absorbed, thus helping to prevent testosterone converting to dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone that causes hair loss. 12.5% minoxidil + azelaic acid is a prescription medication which is exclusively available at Belgravia’s pharmacy.
For females, MPG and AA are especially important as they act as a substitute for Propecia. Propecia is the best known medically proven medication to combat genetic hair loss in men, and like MPG or azelaic acid, takes effect by preventing DHT from reaching the hair follicles.
Getting the Best From Minoxidil
Belgravia trichologists have found that whilst Minoxidil can help reduce hair loss and boost hair growth, the degree of success will often depend on the Minoxidil’s strength. The Minoxidil formulations that we provide vary from a mild 4% lotion to a stronger 5% Regain lotion, or an extra-strength 12.5% cream, which is our form of Minoxidil used to treat very stubborn patches of thinning hair and baldness. Depending on what is recommended to the individual hair loss sufferer, we can also provide Minoxidil containing an extra booster – Medroxyprogesterone (MPG).
A Belgravia treatment course consists of more than just minoxidil, we find that ‘treatment courses boosters’ are just as important. You can find out about treatment course boosters and how a Belgravia treatment course ensures the highest likelihood of hair re-growth by clicking here.
Side Effects
Like other drugs there can be side effects from the use of prescription treatments for hair loss. During the past ten years of treating tens of thousands of men and women at the Belgravia Centre we estimate less than one in one hundred (1%) incidents of side effects. Side effects ranged from mild facial hair growth, headaches, rashes and palpitations. All were mild and needed no medical treatment. They either diminished in a short time during use, or shortly after stopping use. |
