With all the different information being presented to consumers, it becomes imperative to understand how to make the best decision, even when it comes to FDA approved medications. Hair restoration expert, Dr. U, believes that the benefits of any treatment should always outweigh the risks.
Researchers around the world are currently investigating the properties of natural ingredients for addressing hair loss. So far, what has been found so far seem to offer promise for men and women suffering from thinning and balding. Another consideration is that the potential for side effects are very minimal, compared to pharmaceutical products.
But even with natural extracts and ingredients, the use of discretion is highly recommended.
Why There Are So Few FDA Approved Hair Loss Treatment Products.
Large scale clinical trials help to establish support (or lack thereof) for treatments and even real new forms of knowledge. However, the decision to rely on such studies can have certain limitations, according to Dr. U.
Here are a few issues to be aware of.
(1) Clinical trial research requires a large budget
The financial resources needed to fully execute these studies is quite significant. Therefore, it is very difficult for these types of initiatives to receive approval or funding by the FDA.
Additionally, it is also the major pharmaceutical companies often have the budgetary means to carry out research on drug effects. While other forms of promising treatments do exist, smaller organizations who are hoping to bring these types of solutions to the public often lack the finances to execute comparable clinical studies.
Choosing Hair Loss Treatment Products Wisely
Instead of waiting years, hoping that someone will take the initiative to embark on new research of a large scale, consumers may have to use their own discretion to avoid missing the chance of benefiting from a treatment that could truly help them.
(2) Clinical trial studies generally examine a single independent variable.
In general, and for commercial reasons, pharmaceutical drugs are designed to target a very specific patentable chemical pathway. These companies would not invest in a product that they cannot monopolize via an iron clad patent no matter how effective the product is. However, many conditions are the result of multiple processes in the body. Since some people are affected to a greater extent by these additional factors than others, they may not benefit as well as others from a particular medication.
The Issue of Toxicity and Side Effects
Drugs are essentially chemical compounds that affect change on a specific part of the body. However, they typically travel through the bloodstream. And they may have adverse consequences on other parts of the body.
It is well known that Finasteride carries the risk of sexual dysfunction, among other side effects. Even though Minoxidil is available as a topical over the counter drug, it too can be associated with health concerns. For example, rapid heart palpitations may result, as well as edemas (swelling) in the lower extremities.
The Nature of Hair Loss Will Differ Across Individuals
Realistically, not everyone will experience the same results from a particular hair treatment.
Hair loss can also result from different sets of causes. Therefore treatment should really rely on a doctor’s evaluations and diagnosis. Medical conditions like thyroid disorders or even side effects from prescriptions can also contribute to thinning and shedding.
Dr. U recommends that these types of issues should be identified prior to choosing an intervention or remedy.
Also the effectiveness of hair treatment choices will often depend on whether the condition is still in its early stages or not. Genetic baldness causes follicles to shrink over time. Eventually these structures will lose the capacity to grow new strands. Therefore, using a product, supplement or medication past this point will not likely produce desired changes. AT these points the most effective treatment would be a hair transplant
Natural Hair Loss Ingredients
The general industry of products and services for hair restoration are often labeled as a “buyer beware market.” Of course, this does not mean everything is a scam. But rather, due to the high demand for hair loss treatment solutions, many unscrupulous practices can ensue.
This can even occur with products labeled as having natural ingredients. Dr. U, who is a medical doctor and a proponent of using natural solutions when possible, advises that individuals should look to tangible scientific evidence to support their decision to use any hair loss product.
For example, ALthough there is no FDA approval for the use of one herb called Asiasari radix, there are studies to suggest that it targets other processes besides the reduction of DHT. According to the Journal of Dermatological Sciences, researchers found that the plant extract was capable of the following:
(1) increasing the number of cells in the follicle responsible for the production of new hair
(2) causing certain genes to increase the production of a growth factor, called VEGF, whose levels increase when hair shafts are produced.
(3) Like minoxidil, it facilitating the onset of the anagen growth phase among the resting hair follicles (in telogen)
However, Asiasari Radix is not an FDA approved hair loss treatment. It is unlikely that any corporation would spend the financial capital necessary to get an FDA approval for this product since it cannot be patented and hence of no commercial value.