First Step

• See your doctor before using any specialized products for fine or thinning hair.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Several reasons could cause your hair to thin or have a finer texture, although the main culprit is genetics. Setting an appointment with your primary care physician or a dermatologist is the first step in determining the best options to address your specific problem. Your doctor will likely ask questions about your hair and possibly run a few tests. Following diagnosis, she may choose to prescribe oral medication or a topical ointment.
  
  

Medical Products

• Propecia requires a prescription from your doctor.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  The Food and Drug Administration approves only two prescription drugs to help treat thinning hair: minoxidil and finasteride. Both products can reduce the amount of hair lost, and in some instances may even enable the growth of new hair -- but only for the time the medication is used. Minoxidil (brand names include Rogaine and Ronoxidil) is a topical ointment most suitable for people under 40 that has been known to cause side effects, including dry scalp, weight gain, rapid heartbeat and chest pain. Finasteride (brand names include Propecia and Proscar) comes in a tablet taken by mouth once a day, and it can take up to three months before any signs of hair growth begin. Propecia also has potential side effects, including rash, itching and hives, and is approved for use by men only.
  
  

Men vs. Women

• Not all medications for fine or thinning hair are suitable for both men and women.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  All prescription medications are not suitable for both genders. For example, Propecia has not been approved by the FDA to be used by women or children. The drug did not benefit women suffering hair loss, and can be dangerous for those who are pregnant. Rogaine does cater to women, however, and has a website to help women learn more about the use of its products as well as provide tips on how to style thinning hair.
  
  

Other Medical Products for Fine, Thin Hair

• Side effects can occur with the use of many prescription drugs.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Other products containing minoxidil include Loniten and EXT, or Extreme Hair Therapy. Loniten is the pill form of minoxidil. Initially, Loniten was prescribed to help treat high blood pressure; however, patients noticed one of the side effects was increased hair growth. Loniten also has potential side effects, including breathing difficulties and salt retention. EXT is a hair-loss treatment program available through Hair Club for Men and Women, offering hair and scalp treatments as well as products containing minoxidil. Although minoxidil helps with thinning hair, EXT products have not been clinically proven to be effective.