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What Is Finasteride?
Androgenetic alopecia is due to an increased sensitivity to the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at the hair follicle. Finasteride inhibits Type II 5α-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Finasteride decreases DHT levels by up to two-thirds and slightly increases testosterone levels.3
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to the hair follicle, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to enter. Minoxidil also binds to ion channels in the hair follicles. It stimulates the production of endothelial growth factors, which may help to enlarge hair follicles and promote growth.4 Minoxidil reduces the length of the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. However, the exact mechanism by which minoxidil works is unknown.
What Are the Side Effects of Finasteride?
Like most medications, finasteride has side effects, including the following:
- An inability to have or maintain an erection
- Breast enlargement or tenderness
- Chills or cold sweats
- Confusion
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Headache
- Hives
- Itching
- Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing
- Pain in the testicles
- Problems with ejaculation
- Skin rashes
- Swelling of the lips and face
- Swelling or bloating
- Weakness
- Weight loss
When taking finasteride, it is important to consider its potential impact on your sexual health. If you experience sexual side effects, talk to your doctor about a medication dosage change or other treatment options.
What Are the Side Effects of Minoxidil?
The common side effects associated with minoxidil include scalp itching, scalp scaling, excessive hair growth, and changes in hair color and texture.
The following minoxidil side effects are rare but more serious:
- Severe scalp irritation
- Unwanted excessive facial hair growth
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Flushing
- Vision changes
How Well Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Work?
Both finasteride and minoxidil have clinical studies supporting their safety and efficacy.
Minoxidil
About one-third of men with male-pattern baldness and two-thirds of women with female-pattern hair loss rated minoxidil as effective.4,5 The 5% solution works better than the 2% solution when treating male-pattern baldness. At 48 weeks, users of the more concentrated solution experienced 45% more hair regrowth. Men who used the 5% minoxidil solution also had an earlier treatment response than men who used the 2% solution.6
In another study, almost two-thirds of participants reported that their treated area became smaller and that hair regrowth was rated as very effective or effective.7
In clinical studies of women aged 18 to 45 with mild-to-moderate hair loss, about 40% reported minimal hair regrowth after eight months, and 19% reported moderate hair regrowth. Another study showed that people using 2% minoxidil had eight more hairs per square centimeter, and those using the 5% solution had 12.4 more hairs per square centimeter than people using a placebo. A 5-year follow-up study showed peak hair regrowth occurred at one year.8
Minoxidil can take up to four to six months to reach full results.
Finasteride
Finasteride is effective for people who are genetically predisposed to DHT sensitivity. It is not suitable for everyone. Hair regrowth with finasteride is expected in up to two-thirds of men with mild-to-moderate hair loss, and it prevents future hair loss in approximately 91% of men.9
In two clinical trials, 1,553 men between the ages of 18 and 41 were given either oral finasteride or a placebo for one year, and 1,215 men continued treatment for another year. The men’s hair count increased, hair loss slowed, hair growth increased, and hair appearance improved.10
What Forms of Finasteride and Minoxidil Are Available?
Finasteride is only available in pill form. It is dosed at 1 mg daily by mouth to treat androgenetic alopecia in men.
Minoxidil is available in a foam and liquid form as well as a pill. Each of these options has benefits and drawbacks.
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: Can You Take Them Together?
Finasteride and minoxidil are commonly prescribed together because they work through different mechanisms. In a small study, 85% of patients reported maintaining good hair density when taking a combination of finasteride and minoxidil.11 In another study, 80% of men treated with finasteride had improved hair growth, as did 59% of men using minoxidil 5% and 94% of men using a combination of finasteride and 5% minoxidil.
Talk to an Invigor treatment specialist to learn more about the benefits of finasteride and minoxidil and to develop a good hair loss treatment plan, an essential part of your overall age management plan.
Conclusion
Choosing between Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss treatment depends on individual needs and health conditions. For those leaning towards a hormonal approach to combat hair thinning, Finasteride offers a scientifically backed solution. If you’re considering this route, Invigor Medical provides an easy and reliable way to buy Finasteride, ensuring you get quality treatment tailored to your specific situation. To learn more about how Finasteride can fit into your hair care routine and to explore purchase options, visit Invigor Medical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minoxidil vs. finasteride: Which is Better?
The effectiveness of minoxidil vs. finasteride depends on individual factors such as the cause and severity of hair loss. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine which option may be better suited to your needs.
What has worse side effects minoxidil or finasteride?
Both minoxidil and finasteride can have side effects, but they differ in nature and severity. While minoxidil may cause scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth in some individuals, finasteride may lead to sexual side effects such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction in a small percentage of users. Discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Does finasteride regrow lost hair?
Finasteride is approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and has been shown to effectively regrow hair in many men. However, individual results may vary, and it may not work for everyone. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if finasteride is an appropriate option for you.
Does anything work better than finasteride?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what works better than finasteride, as treatment efficacy can vary depending on individual factors. Some individuals may find success with alternative hair loss treatments such as minoxidil, hair transplant surgery, or lifestyle changes. Consult with a healthcare professional to explore the best options for your specific situation.
