Tips for using minoxidil and finasteride to treat hair loss

Tips for using minoxidil and finasteride to treat hair loss

Minoxidil and Finasteride are two excellent options for men and women who want to do something about their hair loss. These are two of the most widely used hair loss medications. It has been proven effective in preventing further baldness and even hair regrowth.

The main difference between minoxidil and finasteride is the application method. Minoxidil is sold as a liquid solution that must be applied directly to the scalp in the area of ​​hair loss. Finasteride is an oral tablet.

Tips for Using Minoxidil – Men:

Minoxidil was the first drug approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It can now be purchased without a prescription and in generic formulations in concentrations of 5% (for men) and 2% (for women). The exact mechanism by which minoxidil works is not known, but the drug is believed to increase the length of the hair follicle growth cycle (called anagen) and improve the length and thickness of miniaturized follicles. Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is only available as a brand name.

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to any areas that are thinning.

:: Minoxidil can work anywhere miniaturized hair is present (where the area is not completely bald).
:: Minoxidil works on the front part of the scalp and temples when these areas are just beginning to thin. Therefore, it is important to apply it to the front part of your scalp and hairline if you are thinning in these areas.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work - it does not work on the hair itself.

:: Minoxidil 5% solution is most effective if you have hair because the solution is easier to apply to the scalp.
:: If the 5% solution irritates your scalp, try the 5% foam, which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
:: If the 5% solution is too greasy and you find yourself not using it, switch to foam.

Although minoxidil works best when used twice daily, it is also effective when used once daily (and better than not using it at all).

:: Many patients find it most convenient to use the medication once daily at bedtime.
:: If you are using minoxidil once daily, use at least twice the recommended dose so that it is applied to the entire area of ​​thinning.

Minoxidil can be applied to a damp scalp when you first get out of the shower. This can make care easier.

For minoxidil to be effective, it must be used continuously and regularly. Don't stop and start it. Scaling may occur during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This is generally an indication that the medication is working. So if you don't have any side effects, don't stop taking the medication. If you stop taking the medication, you will lose all benefits (although you will feel no worse than if you had never used it).

Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride. Of the two medications, finasteride is more effective.

Tips for Women Using Minoxidil – Women:

Minoxidil solution is available in a brand name and a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is only available in the brand.

Minoxidil is generally prescribed as a 2% solution for women to be used twice daily. If twice daily is impractical, use the 5% men's formulation only once daily.

Minoxidil can cause increased facial hair. Although the 5% is more likely to cause this than the 2%, the side effects appear to be about the same when the 5% is used once daily.

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to any areas that are thinning.

:: Minoxidil can work anywhere miniaturized hair is present (where the area is not completely bald).
:: Minoxidil works on the front part of the scalp and temples when these areas are just beginning to thin.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work - it does not work on the hair itself.

:: Minoxidil solution is most effective if you have hair because the solution is easier to apply to the scalp.
:: If the solution irritates your scalp, try the foam, which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
:: If the solution is too greasy and you find yourself not using it, switch to foam.

Tips for using finasteride::

Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is caused by the effect of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible hair follicles, which are primarily present at the front, top, and crown of the scalp (rather than at the back and sides).

Finasteride causes a significant decrease in both scalp and blood levels of DHT, and its effects are thought to be related to both of these factors. Finasteride 1 mg/day reduces serum DHT levels by almost 70%. Finasteride is a prescription oral medication that is now generic (in the 5 mg dose). This formulation is just as effective as the branded version and is about 1/3 the cost.

The general starting dose of finasteride for hair loss is 1 mg per day. For this dose, you can take either one 1 mg branded tablet or ¼ of a 5 mg tablet of generic finasteride per day. Your doctor may increase the dose over time depending on how you respond to the medication.

If you've decided to go generic, you can buy a pill cutter from any pharmacy for a few dollars. Please only cut two tablets at a time.

Finasteride does not need to be cut into equal parts to be effective. Just cut it into the recommended pieces and take one piece every day.

Finasteride can also be taken at any time of the day without regard to food or other medications.

Scaling may occur during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This is generally an indication that the medication is working. Do not stop the medication if you see it being spilled.

It takes up to a full year to see the effects of finasteride. So be patient.

Common Misconceptions About Finasteride –

Myth: Women can't touch the medication.
Fact: Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
Myth: It only works in the crown.
Fact: It may work anywhere on the scalp where there is hair, even in front of the scalp.
Myth: Once you start it, you have to take it forever.
Fact: You can stop the medication at any time - you will only lose its benefits if you stop.
Myth: Finasteride lowers testosterone
Fact: On average, the drug causes a 9% increase in serum testosterone levels.
Myth: The sexual side effects are common and irreversible.
Fact: Sexual side effects occur in 2% and are reversible when the medication is discontinued.
Myth: Finasteride causes birth defects if a man takes it when his wife is pregnant.
Fact: Exposure of pregnant women to sperm from men treated with finasteride poses no risk to the fetus.
Myth: Brand name Finasteride was originally a prostate medication intended to prevent hair loss.
Fact: Any type of finasteride is not a prostate drug that has been accidentally found to have a hair growth side effect. It is a drug that has been known since its discovery to be able to grow hair.

Of course, in some advanced cases of hair loss and baldness, medication is not an effective treatment option. Individuals in these cases are often candidates for hair transplantation or other forms of hair restoration.

Inspired by Robert M. Bernstein, M.D.