All About Minoxidil
Is Minoxidil A Good Option?
Minoxidil is a chemical substance originally used for treating high blood pressure. However, when it was reported that taking minoxidil pills regularly had as side effect the significant strengthening of hair strands from all over the body, scientists have anticipated its success in stopping hair thinning, hair loss and stimulating hair growth. And they were not at all wrong! Nowadays, minoxidil is one of the most popular and effective treatment in hair loss and hair regrowth.
The way in which this drug functions is not very clear. What is known is that it acts as a potassium channel opener, thus hyperpolarizing the cell membranes. Also, it has been proved that it has better effects on younger patients which have recently lost their hair. Ideal patients for minoxidil are male or female individuals of 18 to 40 which have thin hair and have recently started to lose their hair. Even though it has had some positive results in re-growing hair on bald patches of scalp, this substance is not recommended as a baldness treatment. In addition to that, it has been discovered that after 30 to 90 days from the treatment the results diminish and the hair gets back to its pre-treatment state.
Minoxidil can be found on the market under the market name of Rogaine in United States and New Zealand, Herbal-H in Canada and Regaine in Europe and Asia. It is available in the form of foam or in liquid state. The 5% concentration (foam or liquid) is recommended only for men, while the milder concentration of 2% can also be used by women.
Even though minoxidil is not in any high risk drug category, there are some groups of people which should ask their doctor before using this treatment. Here we must mention pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant in the near future, people who have or have had liver problems, heart or kidney diseases or who have suffered from scalp diseases. People allergic to minoxidil, people who are under any type of treatment or those who expose their scalp excessively to sun may also need to ask their doctor before using minoxidil.
The main side effects reported by patients using minoxidil externally were mild irritation, drying, burning or scalp itching. Yet, in case these symptoms get worse and you also start to have chest pains, dizziness, swelling, gaining rapid weight or have difficulty in breathing stop the treatment and see your doctor for some tests.
Minoxidil is a good option for both men and women who want to stop hair loss and their strong and thick hair back. If used properly it can give positive effects, which will not only bring your hair back, but will also give you the confidence you so much needed.
