Rogaine Does It Work ? 

As we age, many of us find ourselves with balding or thinning hair, so, Rogaine Does It Work? This, for most people anyway, is not pleasant and the victim is usually very unhappy about it. Our upset with this part of life is reflected in the huge industry that researches and produces alternatives to accepting these changes gracefully. So in our eternal search for a fountain of youth, we come across the option of Rogaine and wonder if this is the fountain and wonder, Rogaine does it work? With so many options out there such as hair replacement and other medications, starting by researching the simplest solution is not uncommon. Rogaine is available over the counter at any drug store and is available in a generic form. Below is the basic information you need to know before beginning this regimen and to aid in determining if Rogaine is an option for you. Rogaine does it work?

What is causing your hair loss and are you a candidate for Rogaine?

First, establishing what is causing the hair loss and determining if this product is right for you is a must. According to Rogaine's website, 95% of hair loss in men is caused by male pattern hair loss. It is caused by changes in hormones and in most cases is hereditary. Specifically, male pattern baldness is the actual shrinking of the hair follicle resulting in the gradual thinning and eventual loss of the hair over time. Typically this occurs in the center of the top of the head and will grow into a wider area as time passes. If one is unsure of the cause, a visit with your doctor can help with the determination. The savings in unused or ineffective treatment may very well justify the cost of the office visit.

What are the ingredients and how to apply?

Rogaine's active ingredient is Minoxidil. It comes as a topical solution and foam. It has been approved by the FDA and has been proven to re-grow hair in certain situations. It also comes in two strengths, two and five percent. The product itself indicates that it works best when applied to the vortex of the head. It is not effective as a treatment for a receding hair line nor does it work to re-grow hair on the front portion of the head. It is recommended to treat the bald spot in the middle of the head that is ever expanding. The topical solution can get greasy with increased strengths so it is recommended that you use the lowest dose needed to treat your specific situation. The foam is also a less greasy option and appears to be the most convenient option. Whichever option you choose, knowing the available options will certainly help to make your treatment the most convenient and effective for your specific situation.

What about women?

There is a version for women and it has been effective for hair loss. If you begin to notice more loss of hair than what is normal, it might be worth the research and considering this product. Typically, treatment prior to excessive loss will help the woman suffering from hair before the loss effects her self-image and she becomes self conscience. Hair loss in women is considered hereditary and will usually be more gradual than in men. In addition, ninety five percent of female hair loss is also caused by the same factors as with men. However, most women will notice a thinning of their mane and may not always see it happen in one general area as men may. No matter how you may notice, the sooner a treatment is begun the less often the results of aging will be reflected in that gorgeous mane. In addition, the manufacturer has ensured women have a feminine option that meets our needs and desires.

When and how will you see results?

This product is a daily regimen consisting of applying the product twice a day. Typically, one will notice hair loss prior to the growth of new hair. It also takes about four months before one will begin to see the results. In addition, once the hair has re-grown, the commitment continues. If you stop using this product, the new growth with be lost. Therefore, making a commitment to the continued use is required. Once you begin treatment, you must be committed to continuing the treatment lifelong. Therefore, carefully considering all options and consequences is imperative. Calculating the monthly cost and considering the time commitment will ensure that you are prepared for the costs of this option.

What are the advantages?

An advantage to using this product is that the side effects are minimal. Because this product does contain alcohol, those with sensitive skin may find irritation to the applied area. In addition, women may notice increased facial hair growth. This is the primary reason the manufacturer recommends the two percent solution for women. In addition, using excessive dosages has resulted in fainting or rapid heartbeat. Most importantly, using this product as recommended has proven to be a safe product with minimal side effects. However, using this product in ways not recommended could cause unexpected and embarrassing results.

Are you willing to make the commitment?

Minoxidil has been around for a long time and has a proven track record, however, as stated above there are some specific requirements to keep in mind when beginning treatment. It is a commitment and should be used as recommended. However, with the option of purchasing Rogaine over the counter it is the most definitely a convenient option. Furthermore for those that are sensitive about the topic in general, this product can also be purchased online and therefore be purchased without having to even leave the house. There is no need to re-visit the doctor for refills nor is there a need to discuss this sensitive topic with anyone else but yourself. Because the side effects are minimal there certainly are not drug interactions that anyone with pre-existing conditions or other ongoing medical situations will need to worry about. In conclusion, there are some considerations when beginning any type of treatment but when determining if Rogaine is an option for you at least there are fewer concerns to worry about.

Shen Min