What Finasteride and Minoxidil do to Help Fight Hair Loss

Two of the most regularly prescribed medications to fight hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil, each possessing its unique qualities to combat the effects of male pattern baldness.

Whether you’re prescribed one or the other, or both, you’ll want to know precisely what each medication does to fight the signs of hair loss.

This article will explain how each treatment works and what it does to your body, presenting you with a complete picture and insight into your treatment plan.

How does Finasteride stop hair loss?

Orally consumed, Finasteride is an effective treatment that blocks the DHT hormone from causing hair loss. Every man possesses testosterone that naturally converts into DHT, an androgen that helps form male characteristics. However, when DHT is found on your scalp, it contributes towards hair loss. Some men are more prone to having large amounts of this hormone than other men depending on their genetics.

Finasteride acts as a shield against DHT, halting its conversion from testosterone in the first place. This means your hair follicles will be in a better position to slow loss and potentially commence growth once again.

How does Minoxidil stop hair loss?

If DHT isn’t the source of your hair, the environment of your scalp might be. Minoxidil helps to improve the levels of blood flow and oxygen to your blood vessels and will benefit your hair follicles; this is important because it means that your scalp can absorb more essential nutrients and healthier strands can hopefully grow.

As a vasodilator, Minoxidil is topically applied in its 5% formula and has proven to be successful at helping slow and halt hair loss while looking to instigate regrowth.

Having Minoxidil and Finasteride prescribed together

If your signs of hair loss are more severe, meaning you score higher on the Norwood Scale, or it’s difficult to determine what the cause of your hair loss is precisely, you might be prescribed both of these medications at the same time.

These medications act as a wonderful dual approach which should result in a greater likelihood of success against hair loss. They are supplied in our Duo Plan or as part of the Full Works package with other supplements that can help.

Of course, there will be side effects you need to be aware of, no matter how unlikely they are to occur. These might include a rash, irritation, or swelling, among other things. If you notice any of these things happening, speak to your prescriber or doctor, stop taking the medication and the unwanted effects will subside.

If there’s anything else you want to know on the subject of hair loss, get in touch with the team at Sons.

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Finasteride, Hair loss, Minoxidil Journal