Finasteride vs Minoxidil - All You Need to Know

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Are you suffering from severe hair loss? Baldness is a common issue in men. Once you reach your 30s, there’s a high chance of hair fall, and the situation doubles when you’re 50+ years. 

Almost 95% of men experience androgenic alopecia, a condition that leads to serious baldness. Finasteride and Minoxidil are two important medicines used in the treatment of this disease. 

In this blog, you’ll discover all about these drugs. What they are, how they function, their safety, side effects, and the best choice for you. 

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a drug used to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate gland as well as treat hair loss. Primarily, this medicine is useful in blocking a male hormone called DHT that causes prostate enlargement. Additionally, Finasteride inhibits DHT from attacking hair follicles in the scalp, thus preventing serious hair loss. 

It is among the most effective hair growth treatments. Almost 85% of the men see visible results in just a quarter of the year. This medicine is only prescribed to men and is not safe for women or children. It is an oral tablet and is generally taken once a day on empty stomach. 

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is yet another drug used for baldness. This FDA-approved foam works in miraculous ways to stop hair loss for good. It is often prescribed in conjunction with Finasteride.

About 40% of men with hair loss issues reveal amazing results from this medication. It’s often applied topically on the scalp and should be used for a long time to get proper results. 

Minoxidil is not safe for kids under 18 years. If you have any sudden hair loss because of a disease or underlying condition such as COVID, it may not be effective. Additionally, avoid rubbing Minoxidil on sunburnt areas.

Can Finasteride regrow hairline?

Finasteride is an amazing drug that works at the cellular level. Male pattern baldness treatment with this medicine involves blocking DHT production that often messes up hair follicles.

This allows the hairline as well as the entire scalp’s cells to initiate hair regrowth. 

Can Minoxidil regrow hairline?

Although studies show its remarkable benefits in promoting hair growth, Minoxidil application is a much better option for growing hair on the entire scalp rather than just the receding hairline. It is known to enhance blood circulation to the hair follicles, thus triggering the cells to grow new hair.

Can you use Finasteride and Minoxidil together?

Hair loss is a real challenge and requires long term solution to reverse the process. To boost the fight against hair fall, doctors often recommend a combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil. 

Both drugs are equally safe to use together however they work differently. The only catch is using them consistently for a long time to get appropriate outcomes. If you stop using them mid-way, chances are you’ll experience hair fall again. 

Can you stop Minoxidil while on Finasteride?

Minoxidil does not offer a permanent solution to hair loss. This means that even after continuous usage if you quit applying Minoxidil, you’ll experience hair fall again after a few months. This is why it’s not recommended to stop using this medicine.

Besides, since both work harmoniously against hair loss and have no serious side effects, it’s best to consistently and daily use the solution with commitment. This will keep the baldness at bay and ensure you don’t lose your beautiful hair again!

Which is better Minoxidil or Finasteride?

While both drugs are usually prescribed together for hair loss, they each offer a unique purpose. 

Scientists have studied the effect of these medicines in depth. The process of Finasteride is well-understood. But on the other hand, exactly how Minoxidil promotes hair growth is still a mystery. 

Finasteride has been clinically tested and is a far better option than Minoxidil. Its oral intake has shown promising benefits for improving hair loss problems than skin application. 

However, it poses a few risks for men. For example, it can reduce sperm count and affect libido. But these side effects usually disappear within a few days as soon as you stop the medicine and this may retrigger hair fall.

What are the side effects of Minoxidil and Finasteride?

Following are the side effects of Minoxidil:

  • Headaches 
  • Light-headedness
  • Irritation in scalp
  • Changes in eyesight
  • Libido issues
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Tingly feeling

Some of the common side effects of using Finasteride for a long time include;

  • Low sperm count
  • Low sex drive
  • Breast tenderness
  • Weakness
  • Dementia
  • Risk of prostate cancer
  • Swelling in arms, feet, etc.

Do Minoxidil and Finasteride work forever?

The effect of these medications won’t last forever. Despite taking them for years, you will need to continue the treatment if you wish to retain your regrown hair. Otherwise whatever progress you made will be lost and you’ll need to start afresh. That’s because Finasteride and Minoxidil both offer temporary solutions to promote hair growth.

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