Quote from: HelenW on March 31, 2006, 07:26:08 PMWhat has been the experience of those who have walked this path before me? What worked, what didn't? Was it a really really big investment?
I've researched this to death, and there are only a couple chemical options that we know work.
Avodart is the best option available right now, though as you know, it's not officially "indicated" for hair loss. Still, we know Glaxo proved that it's even better than finasteride (at 5mg/day = Proscar) - though by how much is controversial.
Proscar and Propecia work very well too (both are finatseride, just different dosages, similar effectiveness). But in theory, Avodart (deutasteride) is better, as it reduces DHT more than finasteride can.
Naturally, the anti-T drugs transitioning TSs take are probably even better. Spironolactone should be better than even Avodart, as it reduces T itself, and not just DHT. But I'm guessing a bit about that.
Minoxidil works too, though it's generally not as effective as the above drugs. BUT, since it works in a different way, it's advantageous to use BOTH minoxidil AND Avodart (or Propecia/Proscar). The two work together.
A less-commonly known treatment is using 2% Nizoral shampoo twice a week. It contains Ketoconazole, which reduces inflammation, and is rumoured to have a weak anti-DHT effect. In any case, studies have shown it to be as effective as 2% minoxidil. Since it too works in a unique way, it's helpful to add this too to your regimine.
In the end, it's known as "The Big Three" in hair loss circles: Avodart or Proscar or Propecia, minoxidil, and 2% Nizoral. Beyond those three, everything else is a guess, and in my opinion, isn't worth the money.
I'm pretty happy with my results from those, though I never developed any totally bald patches before starting - just thinning. But the balding stopped, and some of it has filled in. It's not dramatic, but heck, any kind of regrowth is far better than a continued loss. I can honestly say that I have more hair now then I did five years ago. For someone who was balding fast, that's a miracle
http://www.hairlosstalk.com/ is an excellent resource, especially the discussion forum.
http://www.heralopecia.com/ provides a female point of view on the subject.
