I have recently seen one HT surgeon selling topical finasteride. This interests me because I am someone who does not want to be altering my hormones orally for life over hair loss. I understand that there is some systemic absorbtion but one study showed it was possible to take dosages which lowered serum DHT only by 25% but scalp DHT by over 60%. Do you have any opinions, thoughts on its efficacy or how well it could work theroetically? In 2016 I feel that there should be more alternatives.
May 25, 2016
Answer: Topical There are no peer reviewed articles about the efficacy, safety and reliability of topical finasteride. Hassan and Wong have done some work, but this is NOT FDA approved. That being said, there are numerous other meds that work and are not FDA approved, as well as FDA approved meds that did NOT work, and have have severe deleterious effects.My recommendation is to find someone that does compound it, get someone to write you a prescription to compound and try it--all compounding pharmacies have to meet minimum requirements in order TO compound meds, and anything topical will have significantly lower risks and side-effect profiles.Best.
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May 25, 2016
Answer: Topical There are no peer reviewed articles about the efficacy, safety and reliability of topical finasteride. Hassan and Wong have done some work, but this is NOT FDA approved. That being said, there are numerous other meds that work and are not FDA approved, as well as FDA approved meds that did NOT work, and have have severe deleterious effects.My recommendation is to find someone that does compound it, get someone to write you a prescription to compound and try it--all compounding pharmacies have to meet minimum requirements in order TO compound meds, and anything topical will have significantly lower risks and side-effect profiles.Best.
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May 25, 2016
Answer: Topical Finasteride You will find variable absorptions and DHT suppression because topical finasteride is compounded and each formulation is unique with different strengths of finasteride, and different solvents. In our internal studies, a well compounded topical finasteride of .05-.1% concentration showed high absorption in our permeability studies at the dermal papilla level which is where the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT is located and is the target for finasteride. You will need to find a well-compounded solution that does not contain a high amount of propylene glycol for best efficacy. However, a good topical finasteride solution is a good alternative to the oral administration.
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May 25, 2016
Answer: Topical Finasteride You will find variable absorptions and DHT suppression because topical finasteride is compounded and each formulation is unique with different strengths of finasteride, and different solvents. In our internal studies, a well compounded topical finasteride of .05-.1% concentration showed high absorption in our permeability studies at the dermal papilla level which is where the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT is located and is the target for finasteride. You will need to find a well-compounded solution that does not contain a high amount of propylene glycol for best efficacy. However, a good topical finasteride solution is a good alternative to the oral administration.
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