Finasteride is a clinically proven and effective hair loss treatment that has been used for decades, with countless men around the world taking it to tackle their hair loss and help promote hair regrowth.
There are two forms of Finasteride: Oral and Topical. But which is best? Let's look at what each form of treatment does to narrow down which is the most sensible choice for you.
The Facts About Oral Finasteride
The objective of Oral Finasteride is to stop your body from producing DHT, a hormone that we naturally produce. DHT helps form male characteristics during adolescence, but in adulthood, it can lead to hair loss when it’s created by testosterone. Therefore, halting the production of this hormone is vital to stopping hair loss from continuing.
Most take Finasteride as a licensed oral tablet because of its effectiveness and how well it pairs with topical Minoxidil, another prescription medication for hair loss. Your odds of seeing positive results are improved when taking these hair loss treatments simultaneously. Also, some find taking the correct dosage with an oral tablet is easier than it is topically.
How Does Topical Finasteride Work?
Finasteride is also available in a topical formulation, which can be applied directly to the scalp.
The chances of side effects are reduced when you apply Finasteride topically compared to the oral route, while studies also show that topical Finasteride could be as effective as oral Finasteride in treating male pattern hair loss. This makes it a great alternative for anyone who has taken Oral Finasteride and seen side effects, or is worried about the potential side effects which can occur with the oral version. However, like with all medications, there is the possibility that people with sensitive skin might react to topical serums.
Oral Finasteride vs. Topical Finasteride
Oral Finasteride is an effective treatment for men experiencing hair loss and is very simple to consume. However, Topical Finasteride may be a good option for those who have experienced side effects due to its better tolerability and similar efficacy. Topical Finasteride can also be combined with Minoxidil into a single combination spray, which means you can take both in one single treatment.
Take our consultation to assess your options, and we'll recommend the best course of action for fighting your hair loss.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
