How Does Finasteride Work?Updated 8 months ago
How Does Topical Finasteride Work?
Topical finasteride is a medication used to treat male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) by targeting the hormonal pathway that leads to hair loss. Unlike oral finasteride, topical finasteride is applied directly to the scalp, offering a localised treatment with potentially fewer systemic side effects. Here’s a detailed explanation of how topical finasteride works:
Mechanism of Action
Inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase:
Enzyme Target: Topical finasteride works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.
Types of 5-Alpha Reductase: There are two types of this enzyme in the body, Type I and Type II. Finasteride specifically inhibits Type II, which is predominantly found in hair follicles and the prostate gland.
Reduction of DHT Levels:
DHT Conversion: 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone.
Impact on DHT: By inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, topical finasteride significantly reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the scalp.
DHT Levels: This reduction in DHT levels can be significant in the scalp, where it matters most for treating hair loss.
Effects on Hair Follicles
DHT and Hair Loss:
Role of DHT: DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, leading to their miniaturisation. This process causes the hair follicles to shrink, producing thinner and shorter hairs, eventually leading to hair loss.
Sensitive Follicles: Hair follicles in individuals with androgenetic alopecia are particularly sensitive to DHT.
Reversing Miniaturisation:
Blocking DHT: By lowering DHT levels in the scalp, topical finasteride helps to reverse the miniaturisation of hair follicles.
Hair Regrowth: This allows the follicles to produce thicker, stronger hairs, promoting hair regrowth and slowing further hair loss.
Benefits of Topical Finasteride
Localised Treatment: Targets the scalp directly, reducing DHT levels locally without significantly affecting systemic DHT levels.
Lower Systemic Absorption: Because it is applied to the scalp, topical finasteride results in much lower levels of the medication entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.
Effective DHT Reduction: Studies have shown that topical finasteride can effectively reduce DHT levels in the scalp similarly to oral finasteride.
Side Effects of Oral Finasteride
While oral finasteride is effective in treating hair loss, it is associated with systemic side effects due to its impact on DHT levels throughout the entire body. Common side effects include:
Sexual Dysfunction: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume.
Hormonal Changes: Changes in breast tissue, including tenderness or enlargement.
Psychological Effects: Depression or anxiety in some users.
Why Dense Does Not Offer Oral Finasteride
Dense prioritises the safety and well-being of its customers. Due to the higher risk of systemic side effects associated with oral finasteride, Dense does not offer it as part of their treatment options. Instead, Dense focuses on providing effective and safer alternatives such as topical finasteride.
Dense Bespoke Treatment Spray
Personalised Solution: Dense offers a bespoke treatment spray that combines the benefits of topical finasteride with other active ingredients tailored to your specific needs. This personalised approach ensures optimal hair growth and scalp health.
Convenient and Effective: The topical solution provides a convenient and effective way to manage hair loss with a reduced risk of systemic side effects.
Conclusion
Topical finasteride works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in the scalp, reducing DHT levels, and preventing hair follicle miniaturisation. This helps to promote hair regrowth and slow further hair loss. Due to the higher risk of systemic side effects, Dense does not offer oral finasteride but instead provides safer and effective topical solutions. If you have any further questions or need personalised advice, feel free to ask!