Effective Hair Loss Solutions: Timing for Finasteride and Product Recommendations - Dermatology

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Hair loss issues


I saw a doctor who said I have androgenetic alopecia stage 2! I am taking finasteride.
Should I take it in the morning or at night for better efficacy? Or should I take 1/4 tablet in the morning and 1/4 tablet at night? Can I buy it over the counter at a pharmacy? By the way, I recently saw someone mention Revivogen products (http://www.981490.com/t/products01.html).
Are they reliable? If I use Rogaine-related products, will there be a temporary hair shedding issue?

Lurén Jiǎ Yǐ, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/10/18

Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology


Hello: Currently, the FDA-approved medications for male pattern baldness in the United States are Minoxidil 5% and 2% (Rogaine) and Finasteride 1mg (Propecia).
Additionally, there is Finasteride 5mg (Proscar), which is typically advised to be divided into quarters and taken once a day; taking the medication during the day is less harmful to the liver.
As for the Revivogen product you mentioned, I did not see those two active ingredients, so I cannot comment on it.
If there is more experimental evidence, it might be possible to say it is effective.
It is important to note that Rogaine's shampoos or conditioners cannot treat male pattern baldness; you need to purchase the topical solution or gel (5% for men, 2% for women) and use it for at least 4-6 months for it to be more effective!

Reply Date: 2008/10/18

More Info


When it comes to effective hair loss solutions, particularly for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), medications like Finasteride (commonly known as Propecia or in your case, 波斯卡) and Minoxidil (often referred to as 落健) are among the most widely recommended treatments.

Timing for Finasteride
Regarding the timing of taking Finasteride, it is generally recommended to take it once daily, at a time that is convenient for you. There is no significant evidence to suggest that taking it in the morning versus the evening affects its efficacy. The key is consistency; taking it at the same time each day can help you remember to take it regularly. Splitting the dose into smaller amounts (like 1/4 of a pill) is not typically recommended unless advised by your healthcare provider, as the standard dose is 1 mg per day for hair loss treatment.


Product Recommendations
As for product recommendations, you mentioned Revivogen, which is a topical solution that claims to inhibit DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone primarily responsible for hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. While some users report positive results, it's essential to approach such products with caution. The effectiveness of Revivogen and similar products can vary widely among individuals, and scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is not as robust as that for Finasteride and Minoxidil. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.


Minoxidil and Shedding
You also asked about the potential for temporary hair shedding when using Minoxidil. This is a common phenomenon known as "shedding," which can occur when starting Minoxidil. It may seem counterintuitive, but this shedding is often a sign that the medication is working. The initial loss of hair can be due to the transition of hair follicles from the resting phase to the growth phase. Typically, this shedding phase lasts a few weeks to a couple of months, after which users may start to see new hair growth.

Additional Considerations
If you are experiencing significant hair loss despite using Finasteride, it may be worth discussing with your doctor the possibility of switching to Dutasteride (新髮靈), which is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that may be more effective for some individuals. However, this should be done under medical supervision, as Dutasteride can have different side effects and considerations compared to Finasteride.


Conclusion
In summary, for effective management of hair loss, consistency in taking medications like Finasteride is crucial. While there are various products available, including topical solutions like Revivogen, their efficacy can vary, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If you experience shedding with Minoxidil, remember that this is often a temporary phase. If your current treatment is not yielding the desired results, consider discussing alternative options with your doctor.

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