How serious are the side effects of hair loss medication?

How serious are the side effects of hair loss medication?
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So, for this piece, we’re only going to be discussing the side effects of treatments which are proven to help.

Which means no random nutrients or rituals here.

Without any further ado:

Finasteride. Arguably the drug which worries most people. The most commonly reported side effects include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction and problems ejaculating. Studies report incidences of 1-4% amongst users. One of the most feared side-effects, gynaecomastia (man boobs), which may involve one or both breasts, is reported in only 0.4-1.0% of users. Side effects generally improve on stopping treatment, especially if stopped soon after noticing side effects. However, some cases of gynaecomastia can persist after stopping the drug.

Minoxidil. Our second licensed medication for hair loss. Side effects are fairly rare for this one. Uncommonly, people may notice itching or a rash at the site of application. Rarely, people might experience acne or skin redness at the site of application, increased facial hair growth, and increased hair loss, which is usually temporary and precedes the sprouting of your luscious new mane.

Low-level light therapy. The use of a device which emits weak lasers to the scalp to combat hair loss. Side effects are fairly uncommon thankfully, with the main reported ones being minor skin irritation and redness which fade in time.

Hair transplant. Check out this article for more information about side effects of hair transplants.

I hope this article has put your mind at ease, or has at least left you better equipped to ward away the bizzare myths that pervade the internet!