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.
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Hair loss foam that you massage into your scalp. Contains Minoxidil, which promotes hair growth.
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Branded version of Dutasteride. Daily tablet that’s similar to Finasteride (Propecia).
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Off-label. Prevents hair loss and hair thinning. Comes as a capsule that's taken daily.
See treatmentThere 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 and Avodart/Dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). 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 or depression.
Pros and Cons of Finasteride
It’s easy to remember to take a single pill each day. It’s the most effective hair loss treatment that works for up to 90% of men .
The side effects of finasteride include a variety of allergy symptoms, as well as altered moods. This can manifest as depression, but data from the World Health Organization has found an association between finasteride and suicidality. The reason for the link has not been determined .
You should stop taking finasteride immediately if you develop depression or suicidal thoughts and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Another important potential side effect is so-called Post-Finasteride syndrome. This is a condition characterised by 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 or a solution that are topically applied to your scalp. It is the most popular form of minoxidil. Other forms of minoxidil include pills called Loniten or Minoxidil, which aren’t recommended for hair loss, and a Minoxidil 5% topical spray for hair loss.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to your scalp, encouraging hair growth. It comes as a topical solution or foam that’s easy and convenient to apply. As it’s a topical medication, it has a lower risk of causing side effects throughout the body compared to oral medications. This makes it a good option for men who are concerned about potential side effects from hair loss treatments. While Regaine is primarily for men, there’s also a formulation for women.
Pros and cons of minoxidil
Avodart (dutasteride) is a prescription drug usually used to treat an enlarged prostate. It’s an off-label drug for hair loss, which means it isn’t prescribed for the treatment mentioned in the patient information leaflet. This doesn’t mean it’s not safe, as your clinician will only prescribe it if they deem it safe and effective for you.
It comes as a hard or soft capsule that you take once a day, with food if you prefer, but it isn’t necessary. It’s a 5-ARI that reduces hair loss by reducing the amount of DHT in your body. Avodart (dutasteride) is not a suitable treatment for women with hair loss—it is only for men.
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 of your hair loss to determine which treatment regimen to pursue.
Propecia (finasteride), Regaine (minoxidil), and Avodart (dutasteride) are all effective treatments for male-pattern hair loss. Determining the appropriate medication for you depends on various factors: allergies, convenience, cause of hair loss, and personal preference.
If you prefer a quick and simple treatment, choosing a daily pill, like Propecia (finasteride) or Avodart (dutasteride) might be a better fit for you. Swallowing a pill can be an easy habit to incorporate into your daily life. However, if you don’t like swallowing pills, then Regaine, which is a daily topical foam, might be more convenient. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
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.
Your doctor will tell you to immediately discontinue the use of any medication that causes an allergic reaction. Even if it’s a mild reaction. Hair growth isn’t worth risking your life, as allergic reactions can increase in severity with each exposure and can even lead to death.
Propecia (finasteride) boasts the highest effectiveness, working for up to 90% of men, followed by Avodart (dutasteride) which works for up to 85% of men, and lastly, Regaine (minoxidil) which is effective for over 80% of men. Keep in mind, though, that this will vary from person to person. What’s effective for you might not work as well for others, and vice versa.
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.
In short, making healthy lifestyle choices across the board, and taking good care of your hair. This means:
More specifically, nutrients like protein and zinc facilitate hair growth and repair, and iron may help to nourish your hair follicles. So it’s really important that you try and maximise these nutrients in your diet. Vitamins B7, C, D, and E are thought to help, too.
In terms of stress management, try and get plenty of regular exercise, practice mindfulness and meditation, get plenty of sleep, and spend time doing activities you enjoy. These can all help lower your risk of stress-related hair loss (a condition called telogen effluvium).
How you treat your hair on a daily basis can significantly impact its health and minimise breakage, too. Avoiding harsh treatments, for example, like bleaching, perming, and straightening, will help to maintain the strength of your hair shafts. If you do choose to style your hair with heat, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
When washing your hair, it’s a good idea to use a mild shampoo and lather it gently. Then wait until your hair is dry before brushing it, as it’s more fragile when wet. Wide-toothed combs are also better for safely detangling. And lastly, if your hair is long, try to keep to loose hairstyles when possible. Ponytails, buns, and braids can all pull on your hair follicles and lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.
And lastly, maintain good scalp health by:
If medication doesn’t work for you, there are alternative options.
If you’d prefer immediate or less-invasive results, cosmetic and styling options might be a better fit for you. These can include hair systems, wigs, and hairpieces, which can be made from human or synthetic hair and are designed to look and feel natural.
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.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Dutasteride versus Finasteride in Patients with Male Androgenic Alopecia in South Korea: A Multicentre Chart Review Study. Annals of Dermatology, 34(5), 349-359.
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), pp.51–70.
How stress causes hair loss. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What Ages Hair? International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 3(1), pp.S52–S57.
Hair transplant. nhs.uk.
Role of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 14(4), p.385.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 4(11), pp.1317–1323.
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It’s easy to remember to take a single pill each day. It’s the most effective hair loss treatment that works for up to 90% of men 
Using medication to treat 
