Alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, affects both men and women and can have a major impact on the self-esteem of people affected by it.
The search for solutions can lead people with this condition to consider medications as part of the treatment. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and take appropriate precautions.
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According to the doctor. Lilian Brasileiro, specialist in Dermatology and Hair Medicine, self-medication and self-diagnosis should be avoided at all costs.
Even vitamin supplements, which may seem harmless, can cause problems when used without medical supervision.
1. Biotin
Among the common medications to treat hair loss, biotin is often used without medical advice in high doses.
However, Dr. Danilo S. Talarico warns that biotin deficiency is rare in healthy individuals, and excessive intake of this nutrient does not have a solid scientific basis for treating hair loss.
2. Minoxidil
Another option is the minoxidil, widely used for home treatment of alopecia. The medicine promotes blood circulation in the scalp and prolongs the hair growth phase.
However, unsupervised use can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as dermatitis. contact and the phenomenon known as “shedding hair”, in which there is a temporary acceleration of the fall of hair.
It is also important to highlight that oral minoxidil presents risks such as fluid retention and excessive hair growth on other parts of the body, therefore use should only be done under medical guidance.
3. Finasteride
Finasteride, a medication that reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is also used to treat hair loss, although it can be purchased without a prescription.
On the other hand, Dr. Lilian warns that alopecia can be caused by a number of reasons, and finasteride has an extensive list of side effects, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Furthermore, this drug represents a particular risk for women of childbearing age, as it can cause fetal malformations and genital ambiguity.
The use of finasteride by women should be discussed with a doctor and, in specific cases, combined with an effective contraceptive.
Diagnosing hair loss requires a detailed approach. Doctors perform an in-depth investigation, taking into account medical history, medication use, allergies, and other factors.
Hair loss treatment must be personalized for each patient. The goal is to thicken fine hair, prevent healthy strands from thinning, and keep hair follicles alive.
The process can include several approaches, such as lasers, microneedling and hair transplantation, and must be supervised by a healthcare professional.
