Oral finasteride is one of the most popular alternatives to minoxidil for male pattern baldness. Known by the brand-name Propecia, finasteride has DHT blocker effects and is FDA-approved as an effective medication to stop hair loss in men. It is also approved for an enlarged prostate under the brand-name Proscar.
For men experiencing male pattern hair loss, finasteride is widely considered to be more effective than minoxidil [5-6]. However, a combination of both hair loss treatments is often more effective than one or the other [7-9]. Finasteride can also work for women with female pattern hair loss [10].
Oral medications.
"It's helpful for people who aren't getting enough benefit from topical minoxidil, or those who have scalp irritation from the topical form." Other oral medications to treat hair loss include finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Finasteride and minoxidil cause different side effects. Since finasteride is taken by mouth, it can cause more body-wide side effects compared to topical minoxidil. Most topical minoxidil side effects are usually limited to where you apply it on the scalp. The most common finasteride side effects are sexual problems.
Some compounds, prominently rosemary oil, have been shown to be an effective natural alternative, showing efficacy similar to that of 2% minoxidil.
Minoxidil isn't the only hair loss treatment you can use to reduce and reverse hair loss. Finasteride is another popular option because it's a daily pill that can be taken easily and discreetly.
Minoxidil is considered safe for long-term use; there are few to no withdrawal effects, nor long-term side effects (aside from in very rare cases). Stopping minoxidil should not cause you any further issues aside from the return of your hair loss.
Finasteride is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement). It can help ease your symptoms if: it's difficult to start peeing. you need to pee urgently or more often.
Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.
Research from the SKINMed Journal of Dermatology for the Clinician showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil in boosting hair growth among participants with androgenic alopecia.
Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.
Finasteride is a prescription medication, so you cannot buy it over-the-counter. To get Finasteride, you need a prescription from a licensed medical provider, either by visiting a doctor in-person or using an online service.
Here's the crucial fact you need to know: When you stop using minoxidil, your hair loss will typically resume within 3-6 months. Studies show that some people may even lose more hair than they initially gained.
While you are taking minoxidil, weigh yourself every day. A weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 kg) in an adult is normal and should be lost with continued treatment.
Minoxidil should not be used in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its constituents, including propylene glycol. The utilization of minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Older than 65 years of age (or 49 years of age for minoxidil 5% foam). With a history of sensitivity to minoxidil, ethanol, or propylene glycol. With treated or untreated hypertension. With a shaved scalp.
Finasteride, a medicine used by men to treat hair loss (1 mg-dose, brand name Propecia) and benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate (5 mg-dose, brand name Proscar), has been reported to cause depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and inability to ...
However, there is abundant proof that with regular use, this treatment can stop the progression of androgenetic alopecia and even improve hair density in 80-90% of its users [1]. So yes, for most patients, Finasteride is safe, effective and worth it.
Low doses of oral minoxidil are also used off-label for hair loss. Some men taking minoxidil have reported sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido.
Oral finasteride is one of the most popular alternatives to minoxidil for male pattern baldness. Known by the brand-name Propecia, finasteride has DHT blocker effects and is FDA-approved as an effective medication to stop hair loss in men.