Are there any equal or better topical alternatives to “Topical Minoxidil and Topical Finasteride” for androgenetic alopecia?

Question

I am using topical only Minoxidil 5% and Finasteride 0.1% for almost 3.5 years. Now I am looking equal or better topical only alternative because it is expensive and I also heard side effect of using minoxidil, finasteride but don’t know if these side effect can occur by only using Topically also. Are "Topical Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Ecklonia Cava, Reishi Mushroom, stinging nettle are alternative of minoxidil and finasteride" effectiveness is equal to minoxidil and finasteride or not ?

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

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

you may try to use procapill instead of minoxidil .. but you may also get benefit from Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There is certainly no evidence these are better and limited evidence any of those listed do much in general when used topically. Fimasteride and Minoxidil have the best evidence - with the listed agents being very very far down the list. I appreciate the need to balance safety and effectiveness. But less science, rigourous methodology be your main guide.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Some doctors have started to use oral minoxidil which works well for men with genetic hair loss as an alternative to finasteride and minxodil topically applied

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Are there any equal or better topical alternatives to “Topical Minoxidil and Topical Finasteride” for androgenetic alopecia?

Answers (4)

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