Research estimates that approximately 50% of males and females experience hair loss, the most common type being androgenetic alopecia.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), males may begin to lose hair from their late teens to early 20s. Hair loss may become noticeable by age 50.
In females, hair loss typically begins from the age of 40.
Although treatment for androgenetic alopecia is not necessary, some people may wish to reduce their hair loss by using hair loss medication.
If hair loss is due to a health condition such as alopecia areata, polycystic ovary syndrome, or scalp infection, a person should first seek treatment for this.
This article explores the hair loss medications a person can try, lists some companies selling these medications, and answers some frequently asked questions about hair loss.
A person should consider the following factors when looking for hair loss medication:
- Safety: The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs for hair loss: topical minoxidil and finasteride. A person should be cautious when buying hair loss treatments that use other ingredients, as their safety or effectiveness may not have had an evaluation. - Side effects: Some hair loss treatments can cause side effects. A person should read prescribing information and product labeling to understand what side effects may occur when using the product. Individuals should stop using any hair loss medication that causes side effects and seek medical advice.
- Pregnancy: Many hair loss medications are not safe during pregnancy or while nursing. A person should speak with a doctor before trying hair loss medication.
- Price: Some hair loss medications can be expensive. A person should consider the cost-effectiveness of their chosen medication as they will typically need to use it daily. A person should also research customer reviews and whether the manufacturer’s claims include scientific evidence before purchasing.
A person can consider the following medications for hair loss.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process.
Minoxidil
- Price: from $10
- Brand name: Rogaine
Minoxidil is a topical product that people apply to their scalp. It is available over the counter (OTC).
Doctors originally prescribed minoxidil for severe high blood pressure but found it caused excessive hair growth in its oral form in
20% of users. Scientists developed a topical version in 1987 specifically for androgenic alopecia in males and then later for female pattern hair loss (FPHL).Learn more about excessive hair growth in females.
Minoxidil is FDA-approved as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. Scientists do not fully understand how minoxidil works. According to
2021 research , experts believe it shortens the hair’s resting phase — called the telogen phase — and extends the growth phase, called the anagen phase.A person may notice results
within 8 weeks . However, there are a number of side effects a person should be aware of. These can include:- skin irritation
- scaly skin
- itchy skin
- making seborrheic dermatitis worse
- allergic contact dermatitis
- unwanted excessive hair growth
It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people. A person should not use minoxidil if they do not know the cause of their hair loss.
The AAD states that people should use minoxidil once or twice per day but warns that hair loss will return if a person stops using it.
Minoxodil may be more effective if a person combines it with other hair loss treatments. For instance, a
2017 study found that females who took 0.25 milligrams (mg) of oral minoxidil and 25 mg of spironolactone as daily capsules saw an improvement in FPHL.Pros and cons
A person should consider the advantages and disadvantages of minoxidil before trying it.
Pros
- can produce results in 8 weeks
- available OTC
- may be more effective when combined with other hair loss medications
Cons
- not safe during pregnancy or while nursing
- can cause excessive hair growth
- can cause a range of side effects
- hair loss will return if treatment stops
Learn more about minoxidil.
Spironolactone
- Price: from $2
- Brand name: Aldactone
This medication is FDA-approved to
treat and manage heart failure and high blood pressure. However, doctors can also prescribe it for FPHL if other treatments have not worked.The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) states that spironolactone may take up to 6 months to produce results.
Some research has revealed positive results for spironolactone for FPHL. Older 2015 research found that almost 75% of study participants with FPHL experienced improvements in their hair loss or that their hair loss stabilized.
A
2017 pilot study involving 100 females with hair loss concluded that combining spironolactone with minoxidil may be a safe and effective treatment for FPHL. The study participants experienced increased hair growth and reduced shedding. However, this study had several limitations, and more research is needed to confirm its results.There are several safety concerns a person should consider before using spironolactone.
Additionally, the AAD advises that people should not use spironolactone if they are pregnant, as it can cause birth defects. A person should use birth control to prevent pregnancy if they want to take spironolactone.
The side effects spironolactone may cause include:
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal females
- drowsiness
- increased growth of body hair
The BAD also lists some common side effects that may develop in premenopausal women. These include:
- breast tenderness
- enlarged breasts
- irregular periods
Postural hypotension may also occur, causing dizziness and lightheadedness.
Pros and cons
A person should consider the following advantages and disadvantages before trying spironolactone.
Pros
- may work well alongside minoxidil
- some research concluded spironolactone is effective for FPHL
Cons
- may take 6 months to produce results
- unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
- it is not FDA-approved as a treatment for FPHL
- will not work for male pattern hair loss (MPHL)
- may cause side effects
Learn more about spironolactone.
Dutasteride
- Price: from $5
- Brand name: Avodart
Dutasteride is an oral medication that doctors prescribe for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The FDA has not approved it as a treatment for hair loss, but a doctor may prescribe it for this purpose.
It may take 3–6 months for individuals to start noticing results.
An older
2010 study found that a 6-month dutasteride dosage of 0.5 mg can improve hair growth in people with MPHL.In another 2017 study, researchers reviewed the effects of dutasteride and finasteride in men with androgenetic alopecia. They found that dutasteride was more effective, but its adverse effects were similar to finasteride. However, this study used a small sample size and had a short duration, so more research is needed to confirm its results in the wider population.
A larger
2019 meta-analysis compared dutasteride with finasteride as a treatment for MPHL. The authors found that dutasteride significantly increased hair counts, had increased efficacy compared to finasteride, and produced similar side effects. They also wrote that participants tolerated both treatments well. However, more research is needed.Dutasteride can cause side effects, including:
- difficulty maintaining an erection
- decreased libido
- ejaculation issues
- increased risk of high grade prostate cancer
Pros and cons
A person should consider the advantages and disadvantages before trying dutasteride for hair loss.
Pros
- some research found dutasteride to be effective against MPHL
- may have increased efficacy compared to finasteride
Cons
- may cause a range of sexual-related side effects
- may increase a person’s risk of prostate cancer
- FDA has not approved it for use in hair loss
Learn more about dutasteride.
Finasteride
- Price: from $4
- Brand name: Proscar, Propecia
Finasteride is a drug that can help treat enlarged prostate and hair loss in men. It is
FDA-approved for these uses.It works by binding to the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and stopping it from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This can slow hair loss, but it will not stop it completely.
According to the AAD, a person should take 1 finasteride pill every day. It may take 4 months to produce results.
Older research showed that in a group of over 2,500 Japanese men, 87% saw an increase in hair growth. 11% of men saw a significant increase in hair, with 36% experiencing a moderate improvement.According to the researchers, the longer the participants used finasteride, the better their results became.
This is backed up by a
2018 study in Korean men. Although the cohort was much smaller — 126 males in total — over 85% saw an improvement after using finasteride for 5 years.Another recent
2022 article states that some individuals may prefer using topical finasteride rather than the oral form.This is because the topical medication may come with a reduced risk of sexual dysfunction. However, the topical form may cause irritation, a burning sensation, or contact dermatitis at the treatment site.
Finasteride is not safe individuals who are pregnant or nursing, females of childbearing age, or children.
Additionally, males using or taking finasteride should wear a condom during sex. This is because finasteride can get into sperm and harm a fetus. Finasteride can also pass through skin, so people who are pregnant or planning to conceive should not touch broken or crushed finasteride products.
Moreover, finasteride may cause side effects including:
- erectile dysfunction
- decreased libido
- decreased ejaculatory volume
- gynecomastia, increased breast tissue in males
Pros and cons
The advantages and disadvantages of finasteride a person may wish to consider include:
Pros
- FDA-approved for hair loss
- evidence-based effectiveness
Cons
- may take 4 months to produce results
- unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
- can cause sexual dysfunction
- slows, but does not stop, hair loss
The table below compares each of the hair loss medications in this article.
Minoxidil Spironolactone Dutasteride Finasteride Form topical oral oral oral How to use or take apply to scalp once or twice a day swallow 1 tablet a day with or without food swallow 1 capsule a day with or without food swallow 1 tablet a day with or without food Time until results 8 weeks 6 months 3–6 months 4 months Common side effects • itchy scalp
• dryness
• scaling
• excessive hair growth• breast tenderness
• enlarged breasts
• irregular periods• erectile dysfunction
• decreased libido• enlarged breasts
• erectile dysfunction
• decreased libidoPrice from $10 from $2 from $5 from $4 There are several telehealth companies offering hair loss medications. The list below looks at seven popular companies.
Roman
Roman provides prescription and OTC medications for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
It offers oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and a pack of both treatments for hair loss.
A 3-month supply of oral finasteride costs $20 per month, and the same supply of topical minoxidil costs $16 per month.
A person can get a 3-month supply of both treatments for $35 per month.
Before ordering, a person must complete an online assessment for a doctor will review. If the doctor has questions, they will arrange an appointment to discuss the assessment. They can then prescribe a person with hair loss medication if necessary.
Roman states that it offers free delivery and 2-day shipping, sending medication in discreet packaging.
Members can also get free follow-up care from the company’s licensed doctors.
Source - Medical News Today
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