As a man, dealing with hair loss can be very frustrating and painful. However, with the help of medication, you can prevent hair loss and start your hair growth journey. For hair loss treatment, finasteride and minoxidil are two popular choices. Both are considered amazingly effective, but they work differently, are available in different forms, and have some side effects. So, which one is better for you? Read this article to understand the difference between finasteride and minoxidil to know which one is better for you. For professional advice on Men’s Health log on to MaleFlows to take charge of your health.
Key difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil
Both Finasteride and Minoxidil are the two most popular choices to treat hair loss in men. But they have some major differences.
Finasteride is an oral prescription drug that is given in tablet form to treat hair loss in men. It targets the hormone that is responsible for thinning, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone, when produced in excess in the body, leads to hair thinning. It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT and encourages hair regrowth.
Minoxidil is also used to treat hair loss and is available in both topical and oral forms. While it was originally made for blood pressure management, its hair growth-stimulating properties make it a good option for hair regrowth. This focuses on increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which enhances blood flow to revitalise dormant hair, leading to denser and healthier hair. It is a non-hormonal approach to effectively treat hair loss.
Dosage
Finasteride comes in pill form, which should be taken once a day. Usually, a 1 mg dose is prescribed. Whereas minoxidil also comes in pill form, which is taken orally once a day. Usually, a 5mg dose is prescribed. Minoxidil is also available in topical form, which is applied to your scalp 1ml twice a day. Both forms are effective.
Minoxidil is also available in formulated minoxidil hair regrowth spray, which is a compounded prescription solution. It contains multiple ingredients such as caffeine, melatonin, and tretinoin, which increase its effectiveness for once daily application.
Side effects
Both medications cause different side effects. Minoxidil may cause these side effects:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Stinging or burning occurs where you apply it to the scalp
- Itchiness
- Redness at the application site
- Excessive hair growth on your body
Some people may develop severe reactions like blurred vision or an irregular heartbeat.
Whereas finasteride has potential side effects that affect the entire body. It includes:
- Decreased libido
- Trouble getting
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Decrease ejaculate volume
You should inform the doctor if you experience these side effects.
Results
Both are effective medicines, but results duration can vary. Minoxidil needs to be used for an average of 6 to 12 months to see new hair growth after use. Then it needs to be used indefinitely for continued benefits, meaning discontinuing can lead to hair loss again. Whereas finasteride should show improvement in hair growth in a few months of medication taken. However, you need to continue to maintain the effect. In other words, don’t discontinue the medicine, it makes you bald again.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Which Is Better for Hair Loss?
While both medicines are excellent choices for hair loss, for male pattern hair loss, finasteride is more effective than minoxidil because it provides better results for male pattern baldness for hair growth. Even studies show that finasteride is better than minoxidil. In a small study, oral finasteride vs minoxidil solution found finasteride to be superior to minoxidil because when men with androgenetic alopecia either take finasteride 1 mg per or minoxidil solution 5% twice a day found that after 12 months 80% of men who use finasteride have increase hair density compare to 52% of minoxidil group. This shows that finasteride is more effective. However, you should consult with your doctor to know which medicine is better for you. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe both medicines together to slow or stop your hair loss at the source. This is safe because both medicines have different applications and functions, which allow them to be complementary.
Finasteride and minoxidil are both excellent choices for hair loss. In terms of male baldness patterns, finasteride is more effective than minoxidil. However, choosing a medicine depends on many factors like the reason for hair loss, any health problems, diet, and lifestyle. According to that, your doctor may prescribe finasteride or minoxidil, or a combination of both, for better results.
Need help with hair loss? Contact our men’s specialist in the Brooklyn clinic to get a proper solution for your problem. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! Our team of medical experts at MaleFlows is committed to assisting you in reaching your wellbeing objectives. We are here to help you at any stage, whether it be with sexual health, mental clarity, or general well-being. We are available to answer your inquiries and give you the information you require. Please use the following methods to contact us:
Contact No.: +1 855-635-6955
Address: 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
