“Do Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications have side effects?”
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications are gaining attention among men suffering from thinning hair and hair loss. In fact, Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications are proving effective for many.
However, there are many types, with different effects and side effects, and many people are not sure which one to choose.
This article details the types of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, their effects, side effects, and how to choose the right one. Please be assured that the information will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner from a doctor’s point of view.
この記事で説明する内容は？
- What is the Medication for Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
- How does the effectiveness of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications vary by ingredient?
- Time until Male pattern boldness (AGA) medication effects Appear.
- How do the Side effects of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications Differ by type?
- What are the Precautions for Male pattern boldness (AGA) Medications?
- How to Choose Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications Wisely.
- Conclusion
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 is the Medication for Male pattern boldness (AGA)?
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications are drugs that improve the symptoms of Male pattern boldness (AGA), such as hair loss and thinning hair. Male pattern boldness (AGA) is androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It occurs when male hormones (testosterone) change into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which affects hair papilla cells and inhibits hair growth.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications are available in two types: oral medications, such as pills that are taken orally, and topical medications, which are applied to the scalp.
Ingredients in the major Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications include minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil was originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, but was found to promote hair growth as a side effect. It promotes hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating the activity of hair matrix cells.
Minoxidil does not fundamentally stop hair loss like “finasteride” or “dutasteride,” but promotes hair growth from a different approach by increasing the number of hair matrix cells.
It is also effective in cases of progressive hair loss and thinning hair.
Topical minoxidil is known in Japan. Its use is mainly topical, applied directly to the scalp. “RIUP” and “Rogaine” are well-known topical drugs (hair regrowth agents) that can be purchased over the counter.。
Be sure to use products designed for women, as the amounts contained in the formulations are different when used by women.
What is finasteride?
Finasteride suppresses the enzyme (5-alpha-reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT. By suppressing the production of DHT, which inhibits hair growth, it inhibits the progression of Male pattern boldness (AGA). As a result, it is expected to prevent and maintain hair loss.
The products Propecia and Finasteride tablets are available in Japan. Both are oral medications. However, their effectiveness for minors and women has not been approved.
The following article describes generic Propecia in more detail.
Also note that it is not expected to be effective for alopecia other than Male pattern boldness (AGA).
Finasteride may cause hair to fall out at the beginning of the prescription. Many people are concerned about this early hair loss, but early hair loss is evidence that the hair growth cycle is improving.
The mechanism of early hair loss and how to deal with it are explained in detail in the following article.
What is dutasteride?
Dutasteride, like finasteride, suppresses the action of 5-alpha-reductase, but while finasteride suppresses only type 2 5-alpha-reductase, dutasteride acts on both types 1 and 2. As a result, it can suppress the progression of hair loss and thinning of hair at the forehead hairline and crown of the head.
In Japan, it is known by the trade name Zagallo. Like finasteride, dutasteride must be taken continuously, as it loses its effectiveness when discontinued.
Like finasteride, dutasteride may cause hair loss at the beginning of the prescription. Early hair loss is evidence of an improved hair growth cycle.
As with finasteride, use is prohibited for minors and women.
How does the effectiveness of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications vary by ingredient?
Minoxidil promotes hair growth, while finasteride and dutasteride inhibit hair loss. Minoxidil acts directly on the scalp to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to papilla cells.
On the other hand, minoxidil by itself does not inhibit DHT production.
Finasteride and dutasteride prevent hair loss by inhibiting DHT production. Dutasteride can inhibit DHT more potently than finasteride. However, the risk of side effects may be increased, so it should be used with caution.
- Minoxidil: hair growth promoting effect
- Finasteride and Dutasteride: Hair Loss Control
The medications containing these ingredients may be used alone or in combination to enhance their effectiveness. Be sure to take them under the guidance of your doctor.
The following article explains the cost of each of these treatments.
Time until Male pattern boldness (AGA) medication effects Appear.
When using Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, many people often have questions about the length of time it takes to see results. The following is a detailed explanation of how long it takes for the effects of each therapeutic agent to become apparent.
However, the appearance of the effects of therapeutic agents varies from person to person and depends on the method of use and the constitution of the patient. In addition, it is necessary to continue treatment, and it is important to continue treatment from a long-term perspective rather than judging effectiveness in a short period of time.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil has a vasodilator effect and promotes hair matrix cell activity by improving blood flow in the scalp. This allows for the expectation of a hair-growth effect. Generally speaking, it takes about 4-6 months for the effects of minoxidil to appear.
A temporary increase in hair loss may occur in the early stages of use, a phenomenon known as “early hair loss,” and is evidence that the treatment is progressing well.
Finasteride
Finasteride inhibits the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase and prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT shrinks hair follicles and promotes hair loss, so suppressing its production can slow the progression of hair loss.
It often takes about 3-6 months for the effects of finasteride to be felt.
Dutasteride
Like finasteride, dutasteride also suppresses the action of 5α-reductase, but while finasteride suppresses only the type 2 enzyme, dutasteride suppresses both type 1 and type 2, thus more strongly suppressing DHT production.
Therefore, the time to effect is about 3-6 months as with finasteride.
How do the Side effects of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications Differ by type?
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications can help with thinning hair and hair loss, but they can also cause side effects. Side effects vary from one treatment to another and also vary from person to person depending on their constitution and health.
This section describes the side effects of each therapeutic agent.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil generally has the following side effects;
- Scalp rash
- Scalp itching
- Scalp eruption
- Scalp redness
Topical minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp and may cause itching and rashes.
If you have a weak scalp, or if you have eczema on your scalp, use with caution, as the irritating ingredients in hair regrowth products and minoxidil can affect your scalp.
Also, be careful when handling the product as it may cause acne, itching, or skin irritation if it comes in contact with skin other than the area where it is applied.
If you experience any of these symptoms, temporarily discontinue use and consult your doctor.
In addition, some people who begin Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment may experience an increase in hair loss due to early hair loss. This is a phenomenon seen in the early stages of treatment and often improves after a while.
The side effects of minoxidil are explained in this video.
https://kato-aga-clinic.com/guide/kouka/Side effects of finasteride
Because finasteride is primarily involved in the metabolism of male hormones, the following side effects may occur;
- Decrease in sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in semen volume
These side effects usually disappear when the medication is stopped. However, if symptoms persist, it is necessary to consult with a doctor to consider adjusting the dosage or switching to another form of treatment.
The incidence of any of these symptoms is negligible and low risk, and there should be no particular problems in your daily life. However, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor regarding dosage and treatment.
Also, you cannot donate blood while taking “Propecia”.
Side effects of dutasteride
Similar to finasteride, the side effects of dutasteride include the following;
- Decrease in sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in semen volume
However, because it suppresses DHT more potently than finasteride, these side effects may be more severe. If symptoms appear, it is important to consult with your doctor and consider adjusting the dosage or switching to another form of treatment.
What are the Precautions for Male pattern boldness (AGA) Medications?
There are many precautions to be taken when using Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications. To maximize effectiveness and prevent side effects, it is important to familiarize yourself with the following precautions and approach treatment appropriately.
- Observe usage and frequency
- Receive guidance from a doctor
- Taking a long-term view of treatment
- Recognizing and responding to side effects
The following article explains why you may want to stop Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment due to ineffectiveness;
Observe usage and frequency
Minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride have specified usage and frequency. Minoxidil is generally applied directly to the scalp, while finasteride and dutasteride are taken orally.
By following the instructions for each treatment, you can increase its effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications are explained in detail in the following article.
Receive guidance from a doctor
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications should be used correctly under the guidance of a doctor. Self-directed use may increase the risk of side effects.
A doctor who specializes in Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications will be able to explain not only the benefits of the medications, but also the possible disadvantages and other risks.
The doctor can select the appropriate treatment for each and make any necessary adjustments.
Taking a long-term view of treatment
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is not a quick fix. It may take several months to six months or more for the treatment drugs to take effect and for results to be actually visible.
In addition, if treatment is stopped in the middle of a treatment, the benefits gained may be lost. Treatment must be continued over the long term.
Recognizing and responding to side effects
Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications may cause side effects. If you experience any side effects, it is important to contact your doctor immediately and take appropriate action.
In addition, regular health checks will help detect and address problems at an early stage.
It is also possible to keep the effects as long as possible while reducing the dosage to limit side effects.
How to Choose Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications Wisely.
When choosing Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, some may consider private importation. However, personal importation carries some risks.
Counterfeit products and quality assurance issues
Personal imports and online purchases carry the risk of purchasing counterfeit products or products whose quality is not guaranteed. Counterfeit products not only have different ingredients and are ineffective, they can also cause health problems.
In addition, products with inadequate quality control may have unstable effects and safety issues.
Lack of explanation of correct use and side effects
When purchased without a doctor’s guidance, there is often a lack of explanation about proper use and side effects. Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications can be effective and reduce the risk of side effects when used properly. Self-judgmental use increases the likelihood that the drug will not have the desired effect or will have strong side effects.
The greatest risk of personal importation is the possibility of purchasing counterfeit or inferior products. There is also the possibility that products may not be properly stored or delivered. In addition, there is the risk of unexpected side effects if the medication is used at one’s own discretion.
To avoid these risks, it is best to see a trusted doctor and use a prescription from a clinic.
Differences from medical treatment
If you seek treatment at a medical institution, a Male pattern boldness (AGA) doctor will examine your scalp and recommend the best treatment.
They also provide a thorough explanation of the appropriate dosage, usage, and side effects of the therapeutic drugs.
Male pattern boldness (AGA) treatment is tailored to the individual’s condition, so a diagnosis by a doctor is important.
Before considering personal importation, we recommend that you visit a medical institution for a consultation and professional opinion.
The risks of personal importation are summarized in detail in the following article.
Conclusion
This article discusses the types of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, their effects, and side effects. The main ingredients in the treatments include minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride. Minoxidil may cause scalp rash, while finasteride and dutasteride may cause side effects related to sexual function.
When using Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor, follow the directions and frequency of use, and go for long-term treatment. If you experience any side effects, consult with your doctor immediately.
The choice of Male pattern boldness (AGA) medications depends on your individual situation and needs. Under the guidance of your doctor, choose the appropriate treatment for effective hair regrowth.
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