TLDR Finasteride works better for hair loss in patients 26 or younger.
This study found that patients with male androgenetic alopecia who were 26 years old or younger had a better response to treatment with finasteride, with significant differences in hormone levels and improvement in alopecia. Specifically, higher levels of 5α-DHT at baseline were associated with better response to treatment in this age group. Patients over 26 years old had a slower improvement in alopecia and did not show significant changes in hormone levels during treatment. The study also found that the levels of PSA decreased during treatment in both age groups.
38 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.
12 citations,
October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5 citations,
August 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology” 15 citations,
August 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology” 187 citations,
June 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats frontal hair loss with few side effects.
40 citations,
May 1999 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Treat hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, or surgery; consider side effects and severity.
581 citations,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
21 citations,
January 1991 in “Dermatology” Men with male pattern hair loss have different levels of certain hormones compared to men without hair loss.