Is it safe for 23 year girl to use minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss treatment?

Question

Morr F 3% lotion for hair will effect my reproduction capabilities in future?

Sara Salas, MD · Answer

The simple answer for a 23 year old female who is child bearing and using finasteride is NO! Finasteride will cause birth defects because it interrupts testosterone precursors. In fact a female who is pregnant shouldn't even handle finasteride tablets. In our opinion this medication is not worth hair. Minoxidil you can use. 
The best thing is to see your primary care physician and get a full work up including hormones. Then see a hair restoration specialist to see your options.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone which can help with hair regrowth and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Hey there,2% topical minoxidil is so far the only FDA approved treatment for female pattern hair loss. If you are following a female pattern, there is no harm in taking these treatments under medical supervision. 5% minoxidil foam and finasteride in slightly higher doses (pulse therapy) have shown positive results in female pattern hair loss without any adverse effects. But topical minoxidil have to be continued indefinitely to maintain those results.
  Hope this helps.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

Finasteride can cause birth defects if pregnant. Be sure you are under a physicians care if you are considering this treatment.

Jay Goldstein, MD · Answer

Definitely Finasteride NOTrecommended b/c of risk to fetus. Even touching the medication is considered unsafe.  Minoxidil is considered safe.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Provided you are using this under care of a physician and stop it 1-2 months before trying to conceive it will not affect your reproductive health. However, becoming pregnant while using this medication would have serious consequences.

Larissa Miller, MD · Answer

This account is requested to be deleted and legal actions against RealSelf.com are in progress. 
Our apologies to patients, the doctor's contributions to this business are being deleted.  
Please, remember it's always safer to see your doctor for concerns.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Minxodil is a reasonable topical medication but finasteride is not indicated in fertile women because pregnancy might produce problems with the baby

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Is it safe for 23 year girl to use minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss treatment?

Answers (8)

HAIR LOSS TREATMENT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU