Topical Finasteride: Does It Work for Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people all over the world. It has many different causes that range from non-modifiable causes such as age and genetics to modifiable ones such as hormonal imbalances and dietary choices.

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, occurs due to various factors that includes certain groups of medications as well. Androgenetic alopecia, one of the many different types of alopecia, is the male or female pattern baldness which is the most prevalent form. AGA occurs due to sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormonal derivative of testosterone. DHT binds to the hair follicles to shrink and weaken them, thereby reducing its ability to grow strong and healthy hair.

An issue as common as hair loss has caused the development of various topical and oral treatments to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Finasteride is one of the many treatment options that has been formulated as a topical solution for the hair loss problems. In this article, we will discuss the efficacy of finasteride along with its advantages and drawbacks.

What is the role of Topical Finasteride in treating Hair Loss?

Topical finasteride is a potent inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone, that is involved in weakening of the hair follicles and eventual hair loss. As finasteride blocks the 5 alpha reductase enzymes, the conversion of testosterone to DHT is reduced in the scalp. Low levels of DHT helps to slow down the hair loss and promote the growth of healthier and stronger hair.

The counterpart of topical finasteride is oral finasteride that works by inhibiting the 5 alpha reductase enzymes in the body to increase hair count and improve the strength of hair in men. However, the use of oral finasteride also comes with potential side effects such as mood swings, sexual dysfunction and increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

What are the Advantages of Topical Finasteride?

Finasteride is a medication that improves the quantity and quality of hair in both males and females. Enlisted below are the advantages of topical finasteride.

1. Low Systemic Absorption

It is the primary advantage of topical finasteride. The topical form of finasteride minimizes the systemic absorption that reduces the risk of potential health risks such as sexual dysfunction.

2. Targeted Action

Direct application of finasteride on the scalp promotes a targeted action and reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp.  The topical solution weakens the adherence of DHT to the hair follicles that allows it to grow strong and healthy hair. this targeted therapy ensures that the medication is reached precisely to the affected regions to promote hair regrowth in these areas.

3. Convenient Use

Topical finasteride is a convenient option for individuals hesitant to take oral finasteride for their hair loss problems. The topical finasteride also absorbs locally in the body but its systemic side effects are negligible in comparison to the oral formulations of finasteride medications.

What are the Potential Drawbacks of Topical Finasteride?

Finasteride is a convenient hair loss treatment. However, it is essential to understand the potential drawbacks of finasteride in order to avoid unwanted health outcomes.

1. Consistent Use

Topical treatments often require consistent use with patience and punctuality to achieve optimal results. Similar is the case with topical finasteride as individuals are often required to use it for months before noticing the desired results. Missed applications or inconsistencies in use must reduce the efficacy of topical finasteride solutions for hair loss.

2. Irritation of the Scalp

Some of the many users of topical finasteride solutions often complaint of irritation of the scalp, itching and redness. These are some of the side effects of topical finasteride that individuals often find hard to battle with. This drawback can be managed by making adjustments in the concentration of the solution and frequency of its application to the levels of minimal scalp irritation.

3. Limited Research

Studies on topical finasteride are currently ongoing. It requires more extensive research projects as those done on oral finasteride that eventually revealed its potential side effects and limitation of use in certain populations. It is essential to understand the efficacy and safety profile of topical finasteride through research in individuals using it for an extended period.

What is the Comparison between the Oral and Topical Forms of Finasteride?

Individuals choosing between the oral and topical forms of finasteride must consider various factors such as individuals’ preferences, health status, medical history and tolerance to its use and outcomes. Here’s a comparison between the oral and topical forms of finasteride.

1. Cost

The cost of hair loss treatment with finasteride varies as it is based on factors such as formulation and branding of the product. Typically, the topical treatments are often more expensive than the oral ones as it requires a more specialised formulation process.

2. Efficacy

Both oral and topical forms of finasteride are equally effective in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, topical finasteride has undergone more extensive research and has enormous clinical data to support its use for hair loss.

3. Side effects

Oral finasteride is associated with systemic side effects such as sexual dysfunction, mood changes and increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The localised and targeted approach of topical finasteride, on the other hand, has less significant risks such as scalp irritation that is easily treatable.

4. Convenience

Oral finasteride is typically taken once daily. On the other hand, topical finasteride requires regular application on the scalp. Individuals having concerns regarding the oral intake of finasteride finds the topical solutions more convenient and friendly.

People Also Ask

Can topical finasteride be used in combination with other hair loss treatment options?

Yes, topical finasteride may be used in combination with other hair loss treatment options to maximize its efficiency and boost the desired outcomes. It is often combined with minoxidil which is a vasodilating medication that promotes the flow of adequate nutrition to the hair follicles. Combination of minoxidil with finasteride offers a synergistic effect such that finasteride inhibits the weakening of hair follicles and minoxidil brings nutrition to the hair follicles that promotes the growth of stronger and healthier hair. It is essential to consult a healthcare expert before starting such combination treatments to make sure that it is suitable and safe for the individual’s health concerns and circumstances.

Is topical finasteride a suitable treatment option for women with hair loss problems?

Topical finasteride is a suitable treatment option for women with hair loss problems, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Oral finasteride is not recommended for pregnant females as its hormonal inhibition properties may interfere with pregnancy and increase the risk of birth defects. However, these women are safe to use topical finasteride as it has lower systemic absorption and inhibits the DHT only locally (on the scalp). Cases of women reporting healthier and stronger hair growth with the use of topical finasteride have been reported many a times with absolute safety. It is however essential to consult a healthcare expert before starting finasteride, as they offer tailored treatment plans for your hair health concerns that may include finasteride or other medications.

Conclusion

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, occurs due to various factors that includes certain groups of medications as well. Androgenetic alopecia, one of the many different types of alopecia, is the male or female pattern baldness which is the most prevalent form. Finasteride is one of the many treatment options that has been formulated as a topical solution for the hair loss problems.

Topical finasteride is a potent inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone, that is involved in weakening of the hair follicles and eventual hair loss. Inhibition of DHT results in healthier and stronger hair growth from the hair follicles. Advantages of using topical finasteride for hair loss problems include convenient use, targeted action, low systemic absorption and minimal side effects. Topical finasteride also has certain drawbacks including limited research on this formulation, scalp irritation, consistent and prolonged use to achieve the desired outcomes.