Hair Loss
There are many types of hair loss but the most common one is male pattern baldness that develops in most men as they age. The condition is sometimes called androgenetic or androgenic alopecia. Some women also develop a similar type of hair loss, mainly at the crown, particularly after the menopause.
There are approximately 7.5 million bald and balding men in the United Kingdom.
What causes hair loss?
It is thought that the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for hair loss. The male hormone testosterone is converted to DHT by the hair follicle. A process of miniaturisation of the hair follicle in those genetically prone to male pattern baldness then occurs and each time the hair becomes thinner and grows less. Eventually, the hair follicle stops producing any more hair.
%
% of men experiencing hair loss at the age of 50 years
Treatments
Finasteride is a medicine that can be used to help treat male pattern baldness in men only. It belongs to a group of medicines called 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and works by reducing the amount of DHT our body produces. This in turn can reduce hair loss and also promote hair growth.
Finasteride is a prescription-only medication but at City Pharmacy we can provide you with this medicine after a successful consultation. Just pop into the pharmacy and speak to our pharmacist.
Regaine Extra Strength can also help reduce hair loss and encourage hair growth. It is a topical application that is applied to the scalp twice a day. No prescription is required for this and it can be purchased from our pharmacy.