Finasteride seems to be losing its effect. Is it worth adding Minoxidil? (Photo)

Question

I'm almost 26 years old and I have been taking 1mg Finasteride for almost 3 years and have maintained well. Just recently started shedding and thinning again on the hairline and I was shocked to see how thin my hair has started to look while wet. Is it worth starting Minoxidil? Some doctors here (in Korea) have told me that it won't help me and I should switch to Dutasteride or get a hair transplant. Will minoxidil make my hair worse? Or will it extend the effects of Finasteride?

Konstantinos Anastassakis, MD, PhD · Answer

The mechanism of action of Finasteride on the miniaturized AGA hair follicles is different from the mechanisms of Minoxidil. Minoxidil (probably) acts by stimulating the cellular proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while Finasteride acts on a hormonal level, inhibiting the negative effects of DHT on the hair follicles.
Their combined action has been demonstrated to be synergistic and to produce more densehair regrowth than either compound alone.
Try to add Minixidil for 6 months and if not satisfied, only then you should you can consider Dutasteride.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In  my opinion, hair loss is multifactorial. Your increased shedding most likely is from DHT but it could be from some other aspect of the miniaturization process. Switching to dutasteride or adding dutasteride to the finasteride may be helpful. Adding monoxidil to finasteride is usually complementary and covers different mechanisms. Finally, you may want to consider PRP. There is a study that shows that patients who have failed or are failing finasteride can get improved results by adding PRP.
Jeff Rapaport MD
Core Aesthetic Realself

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

David Perez-Meza, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Great question. It may happen that issue. Did you change from the brand (made by Merck) to generic Finasteride? any change recent in your health? Minoxidil has different mechanism of action than Finasteride and I always try to recommend Minoxidil and Finasteride to my hair loss patients. I will suggest you to book a consult for an evaluation with your hair loss doc before switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride. Good luck.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

It is totally normal to be on multiple hair maintenance programs to attack hair loss aggressively such as, finasteride, minoxidil, laser cap, PRP, and hair loss shampoos.  It doesn't hurt to try different combos of treatments to help with your hair thinning.

Finasteride seems to be losing its effect. Is it worth adding Minoxidil? (Photo)

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Answer: Finasteride

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Answer: Finasteride and minoxidil

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Finasteride seems to be losing its effect. Is it worth adding Minoxidil? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Finasteride

Answer: Finasteride

Answer: Finasteride and minoxidil

Answer: Finasteride and minoxidil

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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.