Expert: Peter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> - 7/1/2009

Question
Dear Dr. Panagotacos,

I am very thankful for your first answer (June 25th), here comes a follow-up.

You suggested I should use spironolactone for my hair loss, and my dermatologist recommends Adrocur. Is it as good as spironolactone (in association with Diane 35)? I sometimes have low blood pressure, so I wonder if I can use spironolactone at all?

You recommended Neutorgena Daily Control shampoo, which is difficult to find in my country. Besides, I see that it is a dandruff shampoo, and I never have dandruff (only oily scalp and very dry hair). Is this the right shampoo for me? And if I can’t find it, what kind of shampoo should I use?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Ivana


Answer
Adrocur is Cyproterone and is the main ingredient in the oral contrceptive pill DIANE. Cyproterone blocks the effect of the male hormone testosterone in the body. This decreases the amount of testosterone produced in the body. I would agree with your doctor that Adrocur is as good as spironolactone but Androcur is not available inthe USA. It doesn't matter if you use the Neutorgena Daily Control or some other zinc pyrithione shampoo such as Head and Shoulders ( there are many other brands with this ingredient). It may say the bottle that it is for dandruff but it works to prevent hair loss as well.