Medical Treatment of Hair Loss

January 2010

Mary Jo Kristine S. Bunagan

finasteride minoxidil pattern hair loss FDA Propecia Rogaine

TLDR Only finasteride and minoxidil are FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss.

As of 2010, the only two drugs approved by the U.S. FDA for treating pattern hair loss in men were oral finasteride and topical minoxidil.

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community Finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, treats male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate in millions of men worldwide. But a new study suggests the drug may also provide a surprising and life-saving benefit: lowering cholesterol and cutting the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

in Research/Science 531 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses the potential benefits of finasteride (Fin) for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, with users sharing personal experiences and opinions on the medication's effects on health and hair loss. Some users report positive changes in cholesterol levels after taking finasteride, while others are skeptical or joke about its effects.

community Popular hair loss drug linked to higher suicide risk: compared to non-users, finasteride (Proscar/ Propecia) users have a markedly increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Over 30 years of observation, 19,320 suicides were expected.

in Research/Science 493 upvotes 5 months ago

Finasteride users may have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, though some attribute these issues to hair loss itself. The link between finasteride and mental health effects is debated, with varying user experiences.

community November 2018 (18) vs today, now 7 years on the drug. Propecia 1mg daily since first picture.

in Progress Pictures 287 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride improved hair appearance over seven years with no major side effects. Users discussed finasteride, minoxidil, and supplements like beta carotene and astaxanthin for hair loss treatment.

community Am i too obsessed with hair loss prevention? And Is This obsession healty? Am i the only one? Look at my collection In This picture: Oral finasteride/ topical finasteride/ minoxidil 5% + tretinoin/ minoxidil 5%/ Alfatradiol 0.025%/Stemoxydine 5%/ dermapen/ketoconazole 1%/viviscal/procyanidin B2.

in Chat 49 upvotes 4 years ago

User obsessed with hair loss prevention shares collection of treatments, including oral and topical finasteride, minoxidil, dermapen, and more. Others suggest adding RU58841, laser helmet, and PRP, while some advise dropping certain treatments for long-term manageability.

community 2020 updated guide for "I'm losing my hair, what do I do?". I've been taking Propecia for 12 years, and you can AMA.

in STARTER GUIDE 1682 upvotes 6 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Propecia, Rogaine, Nizoral shampoo, and dermarolling. Users shared experiences and results, with some noticing improvements in hair growth and maintenance.

community I received a prescription for DUTASTERIDE CAP 0.5MG and to this day for 7 months I have been taking propecia, I am considering switching because I see that my shedding has not stopped, although I have results that I associate with topical minoxidil. Do they think it's time to move to DUTASTERIDE 0.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 7 upvotes 1 year ago

A user has been taking Propecia (finasteride) for 7 months and uses topical minoxidil, but is considering switching to dutasteride due to ongoing hair shedding. Another person suggests that 7 months is not enough time to decide on switching medications.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss) in the United States: What Treatments Should Primary Care Providers Recommend?

3 citations , May 2013 in “Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners”

Use minoxidil or finasteride first, then try HairMax LaserComb if needed.

research Medical Treatments for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

212 citations , September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.

research Relative Efficacy of Microneedling in the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss: A Protocol for a Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis

September 2022

Microneedling may be an effective treatment for pattern hair loss.

Comparative Efficacy of Minoxidil and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Monotherapy for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Network Meta-Analysis Study of Current Empirical Evidence

research Comparative Efficacy of Minoxidil and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Monotherapy for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Network Meta-Analysis Study of Current Empirical Evidence

June 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day is the most effective treatment for male pattern hair loss.

research Faculty Opinions Recommendation of Topical Finasteride for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Current Literature

December 2021 in “Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature”

Topical finasteride is promising for hair loss with minimal side effects but needs more research and approval.