Topical application of minoxidil plus finasteride: a description of maintaining hair density after replacing oral finasteride

A review of the combined treatment of finasteride and minoxidil for androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disease that seriously affects the appearance and mental health of patients. Currently, finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used drugs for treating AGA, but oral finasteride may cause some side effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using 5% local minoxidil to enhance 0.1% finasteride in maintaining hair growth in AGA patients after two years of initial treatment with 5% local minoxidil and oral finasteride.

1、 The mechanism of action of finasteride in the treatment of AGA

Finasteride works by reducing dihydrotestosterone levels, thereby inhibiting hair follicle miniaturization in AGA patients. Dihydrotestosterone is a male hormone that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AGA. Finasteride can inhibit the activity of 5 α - reductase, reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone, and thus delay the process of hair follicle atrophy and hair loss.

2、 Side effects of oral finasteride

Oral administration of finasteride is associated with side effects such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, and male breast development. These side effects may affect the quality of life and treatment compliance of patients. Therefore, it is essential to find a safe and effective alternative treatment method.

3、 The efficacy of local minoxidil combined with finasteride in the treatment of AGA

research method

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 50 male AGA patients aged 20-40 years old. All patients initially received two years of local minoxidil and oral finasteride treatment, after which oral finasteride was replaced by locally intensified finasteride minoxidil.

Among the 50 patients, 5 stopped treatment for 8-12 months and then only resumed local minoxidil and finasteride reinforcement. Independent observers review the patient's case sheet and photos, and evaluate the efficacy of minoxidil finasteride combination therapy.

Research results

Among the 45 patients receiving continuous treatment with AGA, 84.44% of them maintained good hair density under local minoxidil finasteride combination therapy.

Among the 5 patients who stopped taking oral finasteride for 8-12 months, 4 showed good improvement in hair density when recovering from local minoxidil finasteride combination therapy.

conclusion

After initial improvement with oral finasteride, local use of finasteride can be considered to maintain hair density and avoid indefinite use of oral finasteride.

Summary:

In summary, the combination therapy of finasteride and minoxidil is a commonly used medication for AGA. Oral administration of finasteride may cause some side effects, while local combination therapy with minoxidil and finasteride can improve efficacy and reduce side effects. In the future, further research is needed to explore more effective treatment methods to improve the therapeutic effect of AGA.