Are there any side effects associated with progesterone cream to treat male pattern baldness?

Question

I am a 23 year old male with early signs of male pattern baldness. I recently went to see a transplant surgeon who recommended I start using progesterone cream(concentration 25mg) and a topical cream infused with retinoic acid and minoxidil. What side effects should I expect from this treatment?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I use progesterone injections and Eclipse PRP to the scalp and get amazing results with male pattern hair growth, if you pick the right candidate.  Topical progesterone works as well but takes a lot more applications and has to be used daily.  I suggest going to a hair loss expert for treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

There are side effects to all medications.  Progesterone cream does not cure genetic male pattern balding.  It is not approved for male pattern balding.  While progesterone is generally considered a natural female hormone, biochemically it is a precursor to testosterone much like testosterone is a a precursor to DHT. (Men produce progesterone just like women produce testosterone in their body)Without going into detailed biochemical / medical reasoning, there may be an academic reasoning behind the use of progesterone but it is not a standard treatment for male pattern balding.Many doctors and Internet sites will promote treatments such as progesterone, PRP, low level laser light therapy but it is my opinion that the consumer take a “buyer beware” approach. Doctors have a right to practice medicine as they wish as long as it does not harm their patients.Consumers (patients) have a right to choose their doctor and treatment options.For every success story behind these treatments, there are many disappointed consumers who have spent thousands of dollars with no benefit.

Are there any side effects associated with progesterone cream to treat male pattern baldness?

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Are there any side effects associated with progesterone cream to treat male pattern baldness?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.