I have been prescribed progesterone cream to treat my male pattern baldness. Are there better options out there?

Question

As a male, what kind of side effects can I expect from prolonged use of this? My doctor explained to me this is a DHT inhibitor, which to my understanding is how finesteride works. I am concerned as to the potential permanent impotence. Are there better options out there?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Progesterone cream is not a normal treatment for male pattern baldness so you may want to ask your prescribing doctor.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, we have found the best treatment for hair loss is platelet rich plasma injections. It decreases shedding, increases hair diameter to give better coverage and thickness and grows hair in some people. I believe other adjunct therapies such as Viviscal, Rogaine and Revivogen, microneedle roller  as well as low level laser is helpful. The side effects of propecia are highly individual.Hope this helps.Good luck!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Two treatments are FDA approved for male balding - finasteride and minoxidil. At present, finasteride remains the most consistently effective treatment. Side effects are possible with any treatment so be sure to speak with your surgeon about finasteride side effects. Besides finasteride and minoxidil, you may wish to explore options to use low level laser therapy, platelet rich plasma.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Progesterone as a natural inhibitor of DHT has been used modestly to treat pattern baldness for years.  However the results are inconsistent and at higher doses or absorptions, unfavorable changes in the endocrine system (which regulates things like your thyroid) can occur. I have not routinely recommended progesterone.  Rather for medical therapy I stick with minoxidil and finasteride which have a much more predictable response.  I also strongly recommend cellular therapy, such as PRP (platelet rich plasma) and natural growth factors to all of my patients.   Cellular therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating male pattern baldness plus it is natural, derived from your own blood, and has very little side effects.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This does not make sense as the best and most consistent DHT blocker is finasteride and it is FDA approved for this. Don't pioneer new ground, and get a second opinion. Your hair decisions can be lifetime decisions.

I have been prescribed progesterone cream to treat my male pattern baldness. Are there better options out there?

Answers (5)

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