|  | Conditions Treatments | Hair Loss

Effectiveness of Minoxidil and Finasteride

Doctors prescribe minoxidil and finasteride to treat alopecia, or hair loss. Alopecia is often inherited and is not dangerous. However, many people choose to take medicine to halt or reverse hair loss.

  1. Minoxidil

    • Minoxidil, often sold as Rogaine, is a topically applied treatment for alopecia that works for men and women. According to the International Society of Hair Surgery, using two percent strength minoxidil halts or improves hair loss in 30 percent of male patients and slightly over 30 percent of female patients. Five percent strength minoxidil is effective in more than 30 percent of male and female patients. Patients must continue using minoxidil forever to maintain regrown hair.

    Finasteride

    • Finasteride, often sold as Propecia, refers to a hair loss pill that can only be taken by men. Women cannot take finasteride because it can cause birth defects. According to Hair Loss Talk, 83 percent of men in a Food and Drug Adminisration-trial experienced a halting or reversal of hair loss. Finasteride takes up to two years to provide results. Some men take finasteride along with minoxidil.

    Other Treatment Options

    • Additional treatments for alopecia include surgical hair transplants or grafts. Some people choose to have hairpieces created to give the appearance of a full head of hair. Complementary or alternative medicine is generally ineffective at treating hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Hair Loss - Related Articles