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Those going bald have options
Editor's note: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail on "Your Health," which airs at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturdays. Questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show. Q: Can you tell me about nonsurgical treatments for baldness? -- Todd in San Diego, California A: Todd, going bald at a young age can certainly be upsetting, as you may know. The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is hereditary. Unfortunately for the 40 million men and 20 million women affected in the United States, this type of hair loss is harder to treat than hair loss caused by disease, medication or damage to the hair. The two proven anti-hair loss therapies for men with hereditary hair loss are the lotion minoxidil, available over the counter, and the tablet finasteride, available with a doctor's prescription. While minoxidil is safe and effective for women, finasteride doesn't work in women and can cause birth defects in pregnant women. Both products must be used for a period of several months before noticeable improvements are seen and both are lifelong commitments: Stopping therapy almost always causes any new growth to fall out. Also, people taking these medications should not expect to regrow a full head of hair. Visit a board certified dermatologist to make sure that your hair loss is due to heredity and not illness, and to learn about other options. Q: I suffer from side effects caused by the statin drug I am taking. I want to know what can be done. -- Morley from Regina, Canada A: Statin drugs are very effective in lowering cholesterol, Morley, but they do carry risks. I urge you to talk to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. Only he or she is in the position to rule out any serious complications that might require immediate action. At the very least, your doctor can see about reducing the dose or switching you to another statin. Good luck. "Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.
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