Male pattern baldness is a very common condition, affecting 25% of men by 30 and 50% of men by 50. It is a normal part of aging, caused partly by heredity and partly by hormonal changes. Whether to treat should be made within five years of the first hair loss. Hair follicles close after the first five years, making hair growth impossible.
Many remedies can be found online, with limited or no evidence in the medical literature. Below is a list of the best-studied and most effective medications against hair loss in men.
Medications for Male Pattern Baldness
- Rogaine (minoxidil): This is a topical liquid, foam, or shampoo available over-the-counter, applied to the scalp twice a day. It takes about six months to show results, and if it does work, needs to be reapplied indefinitely.
- Propecia (finasteride): This 1 mg pill is available only by prescription. It is taken once a day to stop hair loss and possibly help new hair grow. It can take a few months to show results, and if effective, it should be continued. Since finasteride became generic, the price has dropped significantly.
- Avodart (dutasteride): This 2.5 mg tablet is taken orally once a day as prescribed. A study published in the medical journal Clinical Interventions in Aging in February 2019 found dutasteride to be more effective than finasteride, with the same risk of side effects. However, it is more expensive. Like Propecia, it must be taken indefinitely to prevent new hair from falling out.
Did you know? You can now get Propecia online. Just create an account and talk to our doctors instantly to start treating your male pattern baldness.
