Is topical finasteride as effective as the tablet?Updated 9 months ago
Is Topical Finasteride as Effective as the Tablet?
Finasteride is a well-known medication for treating androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Finasteride is available in both oral and topical forms. Here’s a comparison of their effectiveness:
Effectiveness of Oral Finasteride
Mechanism of Action: Oral finasteride reduces systemic DHT levels by about 70%, which significantly helps in reducing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that oral finasteride is highly effective, with many users experiencing a noticeable reduction in hair loss and some degree of hair regrowth within 3 to 6 months of consistent use.
Dosage: Typically prescribed at a dose of 1 mg per day.
Effectiveness of Topical Finasteride
Mechanism of Action: Topical finasteride targets DHT production directly at the scalp, reducing local DHT levels without significantly affecting systemic DHT levels.
Efficacy: Studies have shown that topical finasteride can be effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth. It has been found to reduce scalp DHT levels comparably to oral finasteride.
Dosage: The concentration and dosage can vary, but it is typically applied once or twice daily directly to the scalp.
Comparison of Effectiveness
Hair Regrowth:
Oral Finasteride: Generally considered very effective for hair regrowth and stopping further hair loss due to its systemic action.
Topical Finasteride: Also effective, particularly in reducing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth, but results can vary based on formulation and application consistency.
Side Effects:
Oral Finasteride: Associated with systemic side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual side effects in a small percentage of users. These side effects are due to the reduction of DHT throughout the entire body.
Topical Finasteride: Generally associated with fewer and less severe side effects since it primarily affects DHT levels in the scalp and has minimal systemic absorption. However, some systemic side effects can still occur, albeit less frequently.
Scientific Studies
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that topical finasteride could reduce scalp DHT levels with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral finasteride.
Another clinical trial indicated that the efficacy of topical finasteride in promoting hair growth was comparable to that of oral finasteride, making it a viable alternative for those concerned about systemic side effects.
Conclusion
Both oral and topical finasteride are effective in treating hair loss. While oral finasteride has a well-documented history of success, it comes with a higher risk of systemic side effects. Topical finasteride offers a promising alternative with potentially fewer side effects while maintaining comparable effectiveness in reducing hair loss and promoting regrowth. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!