Hair loss foam that you massage into your scalp. Contains Minoxidil, which promotes hair growth.
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Generic version of Propecia. Daily tablet that stops hair loss and encourages hair growth.
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Like Finasteride, but the branded version. Gets to grips with the enzyme that causes hair loss.
See treatmentsThere are different types of hair loss. Sometimes hair falls out suddenly, and other times it thins more slowly. Male pattern baldness happens more as men get older, and genetics play a huge part in this. But sometimes hair loss can also be a secondary symptom of a disease or a side effect of a treatment regimen like chemotherapy.
You should discuss any hair loss that happens suddenly, or that’s caused by an illness or medication with your doctor. They’ll be able to offer further advice or adjust your medication to help with the problem.
Male pattern baldness, also known as hereditary baldness or androgenetic alopecia, won’t have an adverse effect on your physical health. Many men accept it, but some men may seek treatment if they’re anxious or reluctant to lose their hair.
There are a variety of medications that are formulated to help regrow your hair:
Each of these is used to treat male-pattern baldness. Propecia/Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI). 5-ARIs decrease the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced in the body. This, in turn, reduces male-pattern hair loss. Regaine/Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a vasodilator. It works to reduce hair loss by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles.
Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat male-pattern hair loss. Men who suffer from male-pattern hair loss get it from genetics and higher concentrations of DHT. While you can’t change your genetic predisposition to hair loss, Propecia (finasteride) works to reduce the levels of DHT in your body to reduce hair loss. The dose of Finasteride for hair loss is 1mg daily.
It’s easy to take Propecia (finasteride). Simply take one pill every day. You can take it with or without food. Stop taking it and tell your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Pros and Cons of Finasteride
Like any other medication, there are pros and cons for taking Propecia (finasteride). It’s easy to remember to take a single pill each day. Propecia (finasteride) is a very effective hair loss treatment that works for almost 90% of men. Since they have the same formulation, generic finasteride effectiveness is the same as Propecia.
The side effects for Propecia (finasteride) include a variety of allergy symptoms, as well as altered moods. This can manifest as depression, but a study leveraging data from the World Health Organization’s database has found an association between finasteride and suicidality. The reason for the link has not been determined. Another important potential side effect is the so-called Post-Finasteride syndrome. A controversial condition consisting of reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, depression and gynecomastia reported by men who have taken oral finasteride and discontinued it. Despite these rare side effects, finasteride remains one of the best hair loss treatments on the market.
Regaine (minoxidil) is a foam that is topically applied to your scalp. It is the most popular form of minoxidil. Other forms of minoxidil include a pill called Loniten that is used for high blood pressure and isn’t recommended for hair loss. It’s also available as a topical spray for hair loss.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to your scalp, encouraging hair growth. While it isn’t as easy to take as a pill, applying minoxidil to your scalp isn’t a big deal. It can be a convenient and reliable treatment for people suffering from hair loss. While Regaine is primarily for men, there’s also a formulation for women.
Pros and cons of minoxidil
Avodart (dutasteride) is a prescription drug that is usually used to treat an enlarged prostate. It is a hard or soft capsule that you take once a day. You can take it with food if you prefer, but it isn’t necessary.
It is a 5-ARI that reduces hair loss by reducing the amount of DHT in your body. Unlike Propecia (finasteride), it isn’t specifically indicated for hair loss treatment. Avodart (dutasteride) is not a suitable treatment for women with hair loss—it is only for men. The TGA has not approved Avodart (dutasteride) to treat hair loss in Australia and is only used for enlarged prostates.
Pros and cons of dutasteride
The best hair loss treatment for men depends on individual factors. Different people experience different results from treatment. Your doctor will review your medical history and the cause for your hair loss to determine which treatment regimen to pursue.
Propecia (finasteride) and Regaine (minoxidil) are all effective treatments for male-pattern hair loss. Determining the appropriate medication for you depends on a variety of factors: allergies, convenience, cause of hair loss, and personal preference.
Your doctor will tell you to immediately discontinue use of any medication that elicits an allergic reaction for you. Even if it’s a mild reaction. Hair growth isn’t worth risking your life, as allergic reactions increase in severity with each exposure and can even lead to death.
If convenient treatment regimens are important to you, choosing a medication that is a simple pill to swallow may appeal to you. Applying a foam like Regaine (minoxidil) may seem like a hassle and not worth the trouble in this case. The easily swallowed Propecia (finasteride) will have more appeal.
Aside from convenience, you may prefer a drug that has a higher rate of effectiveness or that is specifically formulated as a hair loss treatment. Propecia (finasteride) works for nearly 90% of men , Avodart (dutasteride) is at least moderately effective for up to 85% of men , and Regaine (minoxidil) is effective for over 80% of men . Avodart shows promise, but you may be wary of it since it’s a treatment for reducing the size of your prostate gland and not specifically for hair loss. The TGA has not approved it for hair loss but it may be approved in the future.
Whatever your reasons, the hair loss treatment you choose will depend upon the discussion you have with your doctor. The most important part is that you thoroughly research each option to determine which medication attributes are most important to you.
How to safely use hair loss treatments
Using medication to treat hair loss can be effective. Just like other treatments, it can carry risks. In order to use these options safely, you should be careful to choose medications that are proven to be safe. If you experience any adverse side effects, be sure to tell your physician.
Propecia (finasteride)and Regaine (minoxidil) are available online through Treated. If you’d like to get advice on hair loss treatment, take an online consultation with one of our experts who can evaluate you and recommend options for you.
5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitors. PubMed. [Accessed 31 Aug. 2021].
The efficacy and safety of dutasteride compared with finasteride in treating men with androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Interventions in Aging, Volume 14, pp.399–406.
Efficacy of finasteride for treating patients with androgenetic alopecia who are pileous in other areas: A pilot study in Japan. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 59(2), p.163.
Investigation of Suicidality and Psychological Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Finasteride. JAMA dermatology, 157(1), pp.35–42. [Accessed 28 Sep. 2021].
A comment on the post-finasteride syndrome. International Journal of Trichology, 10(6), p.255. [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].
Long-term safety and efficacy of dutasteride in the treatment of male patients with androgenetic alopecia. The Journal of Dermatology, 43(9), pp.1051–1058.
A one-year observational study with minoxidil 5% solution in Germany: results of independent efficacy evaluation by physicians and patients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 50(3), p.P91.
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