Hair Loss: New Advances in Compounded Treatments

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Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and can be a source of distress and diminished self-esteem for many. It’s a condition that sparks numerous questions and a quest for effective treatments.  At My Skin Pharmacy, we often encounter queries from individuals seeking answers and solutions. In this blog post, we’ll tackle some common questions and delve into the latest advances in compounded treatments for hair loss.

 

What causes hair loss? 

Hair loss can be attributed to various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. Male and female pattern baldness, known medically as androgenetic alopecia, is one of the most common types of hair loss and is primarily linked to genetic predisposition and hormonal influences.

 

At what age does hair loss typically start? 

 Hair loss can begin at any age, depending on the underlying cause. Androgenetic alopecia often starts in the 20s or 30s, but other types of hair loss like alopecia areata or telogen effluvium can start in childhood or any other time during a person’s life.

 

Can hair loss be a sign of a more serious problem? 

 While hair loss in itself is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, it can sometimes be an indicator of underlying health issues. Thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, and skin conditions can cause hair loss. We recommend seeing a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

 

Is hair loss hereditary? 

 Yes, the most common form of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is hereditary. The trait can be inherited from either parent.

 

How do I know if my hair loss is normal or if I should be concerned? 

Did you know that it is perfectly normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you notice significant thinning, bald patches, or a change in the hairline, it may be time to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

 

Advances in Compounded Treatments for Hair Loss

Scientific advances have led to the development of compounded hair loss treatments, which are tailored to individual needs. Compounding involves creating customised medication mixtures to target specific concerns. Your compounded medication for hair loss may contain one or a combination of two or more therapies outlined below.

  • Minoxidil: Traditionally used in products like Rogaine and Regaine, minoxidil is a vasodilator that was originally used to treat high blood pressure but was found to have the beneficial side effect of promoting hair growth. It’s now often used as a topical solution or foam for treating hair loss. When compounded, it can be mixed with other active ingredients to enhance its hair growth-promoting properties.
  • Spironolactone: This medication is primarily used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure but has anti-androgen effects, making it useful in treating female-pattern hair loss. Compounded spironolactone can be tailored in dosage and combined with other agents for topical use, minimising systemic side effects associated with oral administration.
  • Finasteride: Usually prescribed for male-pattern baldness, finasteride works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Compounded finasteride can be prepared in dosages and forms that are not commercially available, allowing for a more personalised approach.
  • Dutasteride: Similar to finasteride, dutasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, but it is thought to be more potent. Compounded formulations of dutasteride may offer a more aggressive approach to blocking DHT, the hormone associated with androgenetic alopecia.
  • Topical Dutasteride and Finasteride Combinations: Applied directly to the scalp, this combination takes advantage of the different ways these two medications inhibit DHT production, potentially increasing efficacy with fewer side effects than oral administration.
  • Bimatoprost: Originally used in the treatment of glaucoma and to enhance eyelashes, bimatoprost has shown promise in stimulating scalp hair growth. Compounded formulations may allow for appropriate dosing and application for hair loss.
  • Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal formulations can be compounded to reduce inflammation associated with certain types of hair loss, like frontal fibrosing alopecia or lichen planopilaris.
  • Natural Ingredients: Compounding with natural ingredients like saw palmetto, which is believed to have DHT-blocking properties, and essential oils like peppermint oil, which has been researched for its hair growth-promoting effects.
  • Hair Growth Peptides: Newer compounds, such as copper peptides and biomimetic peptides, are being used in compounded serums and lotions to stimulate hair growth at the cellular level.
  • Custom Hair Growth Vitamin Cocktails: Compounded vitamins and minerals specifically formulated to address deficiencies that can lead to hair loss may be offered. These can include biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D, among others.
  • Anti-androgens: Compounds like flutamide or bicalutamide can be formulated for topical use as potent anti-androgens to prevent the effects of DHT on the hair follicles without the systemic side effects associated with oral use.
  • Sensitive Scalp Formulations: For those with sensitive skin or allergies, compounded treatments free from irritants, such as fragrances or certain preservatives, can be tailored.
  • Tissue Regeneration Compounds: Experimental compounds that focus on regenerating tissues and activating the body’s natural repair mechanisms may also find their way into hair loss treatments.
  • Growth Factor Concentrations: Isolating growth factors, either from the patient’s own body (autologous preparations) or from other sources, compounding them into a topical formulation that could help stimulate hair growth.

  

Advances In Treatment Therapies

  • Micro-needling Therapy: One of the exciting areas of development is the use of micro-needling therapy in conjunction with compounded medications. This procedure involves creating micro-injuries to the scalp to induce collagen production and increase the absorption of topical treatments, potentially offering even better results when used with compounded minoxidil or other medications.
  • Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP): Though not a medication, PRP involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to stimulate hair growth. Compounding pharmacies might produce specific PRP kits or adjunct treatments to support this therapy.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): LLLT devices can be provided by compounding pharmacies as a supplemental treatment that uses light therapy to stimulate hair follicles.
  • Scalp Health Preparations: Compounds to improve overall scalp health, because a healthy scalp is essential for hair growth. These may include anti-fungal agents to combat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which can contribute to hair loss.
  • Hair Follicle Neogenesis Agents: Research into drugs that can induce hair follicle neogenesis, or the creation of new hair follicles, may lead to compounded treatments capable of not just preventing hair loss but also generating new growth.
  • Stem Cell Therapy Adjuvants: As stem cell therapy for hair growth continues to be explored, compounded adjuvants that support the stem cell environment in the scalp may complement these advanced treatments. 
  • CRISPR Gene Editing Therapies: Looking into the future, gene editing might allow the development of compounded treatments targeting the genetic causes of hair loss at the root.

These advances offer promising new directions for the treatment and management of hair loss. However, it’s important to note that while some are already available through compounding pharmacies, others may still be in experimental stages or available only in certain countries due to differing regulatory frameworks. Always consult with healthcare professionals to understand the risks, benefits, and research supporting these advanced treatments.

 

Choosing My Skin Pharmacy for your Hair Growth Journey

 Personalised treatments, when correctly administered and monitored, have the potential to not only halt the progress of hair loss but also to stimulate new growth. The compounding pharmacists at My Skin Pharmacy are at the forefront, embracing new research and techniques to assist patients in their battle with hair loss. My Skin Pharmacy can customise medications to meet the specific needs of patients. For hair loss, this means the dose, form, and combination of medications can be adjusted to optimise results.

 

  • Personalised Strengths: Compound pharmacies can adjust the strength of the active ingredients, potentially improving the efficacy of the treatment.
  • Combination Treatments: By combining minoxidil, spironolactone, and finasteride into one formula, compounded treatments can target multiple pathways involved in hair loss, which might be more convenient and potentially more effective than using each medication separately.
  • Alternative Dosage Forms: Some patients struggle with standard formulations. Compounded medications can be provided in different forms, such as a topical solution, cream, or gel, making administration easier and increasing patient compliance.
  • Decreased Side Effects: Compounded medications can reduce the risk of side effects. For instance, topical forms of finasteride may result in less systemic absorption, potentially reducing the risk of sexual dysfunction—a known side effect when taken orally.

At My Skin Pharmacy, our team is dedicated to providing expert advice and bespoke treatment options to support your journey to improved hair health. For personalised advice and to explore the advanced compounded treatment options suitable for you, we invite you to visit our website and contact us directly. 

For more skincare tips and compounding insights, visit My Skin Magazine, the offical blog of My Skin Compound Pharmacy.

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