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Can Finasteride Be Used For Hair Loss?
Question: Hello, How do you feel about finasteride being used for hair loss as opposed to rogaine . More importantly do you think the risks of taking finasteride are too great to be used for this matter thank you
Brief Answer:
Finasteride is safe and approved for use in male pattern hair loss
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern
Finasteride is an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzyme which is present in hair follicles of scalp. This enzyme catalyses the conversion of circulating testosterone to 5 dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT in turn is responsible for miniaturisation/ thinning of hair follicles that accompanies androgenetic alopecia in males. Therefore finasteride by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, targets the root cause of hair loss and miniaturisation/ thinning in androgenetic alopecia, as opposed to rogaine (Minoxidil) which is a non-specific hair growth promoter.
Together, rogaine and finasteride, produce additive results than either of these alone, though finasteride alone can be used in androgenetic alopecia for its effect on in inducing new hair growth and improving hair counts, reversing or stopping miniaturisation. Rogaine, on the other hand though induces new hair growth has no effect on miniaturisation/ thinning.
Finasteride is approved by US FDA to be used for androgenetic alopecia in males, in a dose of 1 mg, once daily. It can be continued life long. There are no side effects with it. Though a few patients i.e 1-2% may complain of a temporary decrease in libido but this is temporary. Moreover this side effect is reversible on discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, finasteride is considered to a safe and effective drug for use in androgenetic alopecia.
Regards
Finasteride is safe and approved for use in male pattern hair loss
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern
Finasteride is an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzyme which is present in hair follicles of scalp. This enzyme catalyses the conversion of circulating testosterone to 5 dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT in turn is responsible for miniaturisation/ thinning of hair follicles that accompanies androgenetic alopecia in males. Therefore finasteride by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, targets the root cause of hair loss and miniaturisation/ thinning in androgenetic alopecia, as opposed to rogaine (Minoxidil) which is a non-specific hair growth promoter.
Together, rogaine and finasteride, produce additive results than either of these alone, though finasteride alone can be used in androgenetic alopecia for its effect on in inducing new hair growth and improving hair counts, reversing or stopping miniaturisation. Rogaine, on the other hand though induces new hair growth has no effect on miniaturisation/ thinning.
Finasteride is approved by US FDA to be used for androgenetic alopecia in males, in a dose of 1 mg, once daily. It can be continued life long. There are no side effects with it. Though a few patients i.e 1-2% may complain of a temporary decrease in libido but this is temporary. Moreover this side effect is reversible on discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, finasteride is considered to a safe and effective drug for use in androgenetic alopecia.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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