For those of you who are considering starting Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, have you fully researched the side effects, costs, initial hair loss, and other disadvantages?
There are widespread misconceptions in online articles such as “Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is expensive” or “side effects are scary”. However, these are problems that can be mostly solved with sufficient advance research and meeting with a reliable doctor.
In this article, as a veteran Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment doctor, I will discuss in detail the side effects of each treatment, its cost, and the risk of early hair loss and how to deal with it.
What if it were possible to find a way to get effective treatment while keeping costs down? Please read this article to find out the secret.
By reading the article, you will understand the disadvantages of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment and make smarter treatment choices.
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Kentaro Kato, Hospital director of Osaka AGA Kato Clinic group, specializing in comprehensive hair treatment.
We specialize in cutting-edge treatments for a variety of clinically proven effective treatments for thinning hair and hair loss.
Graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University in 2001
Worked at plastic surgery of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital as an anesthesiologist from 2001 to 2005.
Worked as a head of plastic surgery at major cosmetic surgery, Hair Transplant Department from 2005 to 2011.
Opened Osaka AGA Kato Clinic in 2011.
Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regular Member.
The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
World Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
What are the Disadvantages of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment?
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment has many advantages, but on the other hand, disadvantages are a fact that cannot be ignored. This section details specific aspects of the disadvantages of Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment.
Disadvantages due to side effects
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications include finasteride and dutasteride, but these oral medications have been reported to have side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Finasteride, in particular, is well known for its side effects, which are a major concern for some patients. These side effects should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor before undergoing treatment.
Disadvantages due to treatment costs
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not covered by insurance and all treatment costs are to be borne by the patient. The cost structure from the initial consultation to treatment varies from clinic to clinic, so it is important to investigate thoroughly beforehand.
In particular, if ongoing treatment is required, such as prescriptions for therapeutic drugs or treatment to the scalp, the cost may be high.
Disadvantages due to initial hair loss
The temporary increase in hair loss immediately after Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is called “initial hair loss”. This initial hair loss is experienced by many patients.
If hair loss increases soon after treatment begins, hair thinning may be temporarily noticeable. This situation can cause a loss of confidence, especially in social settings.
The following heading, “Causes and countermeasures for Early Hair Loss” ,explains in detail.
Risk of side effects of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications and how to deal with them
In the treatment of Male pattern boldness (AGA), the choice of therapeutic agent is one of the key factors to success. However, each therapeutic agent has its own unique side effects, and it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the risks and how to deal with them. Let’s explore this issue in depth with insights gained from my years of clinical experience.
Side effects of finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride (Propecia), one of the oral medications widely used in Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
This DHT is considered the main culprit in promoting hair loss. However, finasteride has been reported to cause side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast swelling. These side effects can be a major barrier to continued treatment. The risk of side effects should not be ignored, especially if the drug is to be taken over a long period of time.
Side effects of dutasteride
Dutasteride, like finasteride, also inhibits DHT production, but dutasteride is more potent than finasteride.
As a result, side effects are likely to be strong. Specifically, sexual dysfunction, psychological anxiety, and even depression have been reported.
This is because dutasteride inhibits 5-alpha-reductase more extensively than finasteride and thus has a greater effect on the body’s hormonal balance.
How to deal with and prevent side effects
The choice between finasteride and dutasteride should be based on the balance between the risk of its side effects and its effectiveness. In general, dutasteride is more effective, but has a higher risk of side effects.
If you experience side effects, it is most important to first consult your treating doctor. Depending on the symptoms of the side effects, the dosage of the therapeutic drug may be adjusted or another treatment may be suggested.
For example, switching to topical medications or low-dose therapy may be considered. In addition, a detailed physical examination should be performed prior to treatment to prevent side effects. In particular, tests of liver and kidney function are essential.
Concerns about Male pattern boldness (AGA) Treatment costs
Cost is a major concern for many people with Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment. Treatment costs can have a significant impact on family finances.
In Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, there will be an initial consultation fee, the cost of treatment medications, periodic office visits, and possibly surgery. Initial consultation fees generally range from free of charge to 5,000 yen.
The cost of therapeutic drugs ranges from about 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen per month, and periodic visits often cost 1,000 to 3,000 yen for a second visit.
These costs vary widely from clinic to clinic, so it is important to investigate thoroughly beforehand.
Difference between insurance coverage and self-funded treatment
In Japan, Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is generally not covered by insurance. However, some treatments may be covered by insurance.
For example, if the hair loss is caused by another disease. When covered by insurance, the cost of treatment is greatly reduced, but the treatment options are likely to be more limited.
How to keep costs down
One way to reduce costs is genetic testing. Choosing the most effective treatment for individual symptoms can also reduce unnecessary costs.
In addition, the use of generic drugs for treatment can significantly reduce costs.
Causes and countermeasures for early hair loss
Initial hair loss is the temporary loss of weakened hair due to the action of therapeutic drugs. Specifically, this occurs when therapeutic drugs such as finasteride and minoxidil act to normalize the hair cycle.
For those who have just begun Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, initial hair loss may be of great concern. Initial hair loss is a temporary phenomenon that often improves as treatment progresses.
At this time, the weakened hairs are shed to make room for new hair growth.
Duration and frequency of initial hair loss
The duration of initial hair loss is estimated to be 1~3 months from the start of treatment. This period varies from person to person and may last longer for some people.
The frequency also varies from person to person, but it is common for several to several dozen hairs to fall out per week.
How to deal with initial hair loss
The most effective way to deal with initial hair loss is to first remain calm and continue treatment. If you feel anxious, take advantage of a consultation at the clinic where you are receiving treatment and seek advice from a doctor.
It is also effective to use scalp care shampoos and treatments to improve the scalp environment.
Time to treatment effect
When Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is initiated, many people wonder, “When will it begin to work?” The time it takes for Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment to show its effects varies depending on the therapeutic drugs and treatment methods used, but generally speaking, it takes about 3~6 months.
In particular, oral medications such as finasteride and dutasteride require continuous dosing and are not expected to work immediately.
Factors that affect the time to effect include;
- Progression of hair loss at the start of treatment
- General health
- Smoking habit
- Irregular lifestyle
How to feel the early effects
In order to feel early effects, it is important to first establish and follow a treatment plan. Scalp massage and proper shampoo selection are also useful to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
In addition, it is important to have the clinic examine the progress of the treatment regularly and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
While there are many options for Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment, it is important to understand that each has its own disadvantages, including side effects, cost, and initial hair loss.
This article details the side effects of treatment drugs such as finasteride and dutasteride, the cost of treatment, and the mechanism of initial hair loss and how to deal with it. A consultation at a specialized clinic is essential to fully understand these disadvantages before starting treatment and to choose the best treatment for you.
In addition, your decision to continue treatment should also be based on the details of your consultation with the doctor. We hope this article will help you as you consider Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment.
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