Finasteride, also known as Propecia (brand name), is an oral prescription medication that was originally created to help males with an enlarged prostate. Studies later proved that finasteride is able to treat male and female pattern baldness with great efficacy. Patients have typically been prescribed an oral form of finasteride but that is changing.
Topical Finasteride
DHT is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone that gives men their male characteristics. When the male body converts testosterone to DHT it causes the hair follicles to miniaturize, which then causes male pattern baldness.
In recent studies, 0.25% topical finasteride showed similar effect to 1 mg of the oral form (recommended dose for the treatment of hair loss). When applying this medication topically, it can localize the reduction of DHT levels in the scalp. In studies done in the 7th World Congress on Hair Research, a Dutch research group reported that topical finasteride decreased the scalp DHT level more than oral finasteride. Many clinical studies have been done confirming this research.
Recommended Use of Topical Finasteride
When finasteride is used topically, minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) is also important to add to your regimen. Together, this duo can do much more for hair restoration than just one medication alone. This combination has also been suggested for hair density maintenance after patients see a noticeable difference with oral finasteride. The oral pill can typically be stopped once topical finasteride is prescribed but it’s best to
If starting with topical finasteride, hair growth is typically noticeable after three to four months, although it can take up to nine months to see the full effects of topical finasteride.
Topical finasteride is helping men maintain fuller, thicker hair without having to take the pill orally, which comes with risk. Rare side effects include decreased sexual drive, dizziness and swelling in hands and feet.
Our physicians prescribe custom topical formulas that include both finasteride and minoxidil. To learn more about hair loss treatments in SLC, Ut, call (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.