SiloxysSystem™ Gel

Men's Health

Hair Loss Conditions

Hair Loss Treatments

Stopping Finasteride

Treating hair loss often requires commitment and medications like finasteride may need to be taken indefinitely in order to stop the progression of pattern hair loss and encourage hair regrowth.

In this article, we’ll cover the reasons for why finasteride needs to be taken consistently and what could happen if you stop taking finasteride. We’ll also take a look at current data on the safety of taking finasteride long term and consider whether stopping finasteride has any impact on side effects.

What happens when you stop taking finasteride?

When you stop taking finasteride, levels of the drug will continue to decrease until it is no longer present in the body. As this happens, DHT levels will gradually increase and may return to pre-treatment concentrations. In very rare cases, DHT levels will continue to be suppressed in some men.

The effectiveness of finasteride depends on its ability to lower concentrations of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This suppressive effect lasts only as long as the medication exists within the body. When you take finasteride following the dosing recommendations of your doctor, you help maintain a level of finasteride sufficient to produce a therapeutic effect while the body continues to excrete it.

How long after stopping finasteride will my hair fall out?

You can expect shedding and hair loss to resume within a matter of weeks after stopping finasteride. When you stop taking finasteride, DHT levels begin to increase. Increased DHT levels mean that hairs previously maintained with the help of finasteride will resume miniaturizing.

Because this process can happen quickly, it’s important that you do not attempt to change your dose of finasteride yourself before speaking with your doctor.

The medical community recognizes finasteride as a generally safe and well-tolerated medication. This is further supported by data from long-term studies that report successful stabilization of hair loss without the presence of chronic or serious adverse effects (

 generally find that these resolve over time. However, in very rare cases, patients have reported sexual, physical or neuropsychiatric side effects that develop shortly after starting finasteride treatment and persist even after stopping the medication. If you’re concerned about the possibility of developing long term side effects while taking finasteride, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about your individual risk level.

Does stopping finasteride make side effects go away?

In general, stopping finasteride does lead to a reversal of side effects. There have only been a few cases of persistent side effects reported in the literature and a direct causal relationship between finasteride and long term side effects has not yet been established (

). If you are concerned about long term side effects, we recommend that you speak with a doctor to consider what other options may be available to treat your hair loss. A doctor may recommend an alternative dosing schedule or trying a lower dose of finasteride.

There are many reasons why finasteride is the treatment of choice for male pattern hair loss. These include the fact that there are few other drugs that directly target the core cause of male pattern hair loss, finasteride’s proven efficacy and extensively studied safety profile (

). Still, some men do experience side effects that can negatively impact their quality of life. It is always your choice whether to take a medication or not and review your options with your doctor.

Finasteride is an effective treatment for male pattern hair loss but patients may need to take the medication indefinitely to derive the greatest therapeutic benefit. Currently available study data appear to support the safety of long term finasteride use.

It’s important to follow the dosing instructions provided to you by your doctor. For your safety, we encourage you to engage your doctor before attempting to alter dosing. If you do decide to stop taking finasteride, your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative treatment.

Still Losing Hair on Finasteride

Although it’s a highly effective treatment for androgenetic hair loss (male pattern hair loss), there are some patients who will continue to lose their hair while taking finasteride. It can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that you may still be able to treat your thinning hair.

In this article we’ll discuss possible reasons for why you may still be losing hair on finasteride and talk about whether taking finasteride can worsen existing hair loss. We’ll also provide tips for what you can do if you’re continuing to lose your hair while on finasteride treatment.

Why am I still losing hair on finasteride?

There are a few reasons why you may still be losing hair on finasteride. Finasteride may not be the ideal medication to treat your specific case of hair loss. While it’s a clinically proven treatment, it’s not a universal solution. According to one long term study, men experiencing the early 

 (Norwood score of I-III) saw more significant improvement with finasteride than men with more advanced hair loss (

). In the latter case hair loss may be slowed down and some hair density may return, but patients may not be fully satisfied with these results.

If you’re not noticing any results while taking finasteride, there may be other genetic factors contributing to your hair loss. It’s possible that androgens are not playing a significant role in your hair loss. It may also be possible that you’re experiencing a different type of hair loss or have an underlying medical condition (e.g. a hormone or nutrient deficiency) that is 

Is finasteride making my hair loss worse?

Finasteride should not make your hair loss worse. It’s not uncommon for some patients to experience increased 

 shortly after starting a hair loss treatment. It’s important to not confuse this shedding with the worsening of existing hair loss. In the majority of cases, this type of shedding is temporary and should resolve within a few months of treatment. If shedding occurs indefinitely then it’s important to raise these concerns with a doctor.

What can I do if I'm still losing hair on finasteride?

If a patient is continuing to lose his hair while taking finasteride, it's a good idea to discuss these concerns with a doctor specializing in hair loss. In some cases, a reassessment of the scalp and hair loss may be needed. If a patient has seen some success with finasteride but is continuing to lose his hair, there may be a case for switching to 

, which belongs to the same family of medications.

The more potent androgen-lowering properties of dutasteride may be beneficial, since this medication blocks different forms of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The result is a more dramatic reduction in overall dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.

Your doctor may also recommend minoxidil. This adjunct therapy helps hair grow by increasing blood flow to the scalp and causing hair follicles to spend more time in the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle (

). In fact, studies have shown that combination therapy may be superior to monotherapy (finasteride only treatment) in improving hair counts and halting the progression of hair loss (

).

Some patients may also be candidates for hair transplant surgery. You should be aware that the surgical route will likely still require you to take finasteride or dutasteride to control the progression of hair loss. Hair loss is a genetically-driven process and even transplanted hair follicles can eventually undergo miniaturization.

Hair loss while taking finasteride: Takeaway

If you’re still experiencing hair loss while taking finasteride, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns. In most cases, he or she will be able to recommend alternative or adjunct therapies to boost the efficacy of your hair loss treatment. Finasteride works, but every man experiences hair loss differently. Adjustments or modifications to treatment may be necessary to give you the best results.

Topical Finasteride for Women

Female pattern hair loss and male pattern hair loss are distinct hair loss conditions but both may be treated with finasteride. However, because underlying causes of hair loss are different in women, they may not necessarily respond the same way to finasteride treatment.

Currently, finasteride is available in both oral and topical forms. In this article we’ll focus on topical finasteride for women and talk about its potential benefits. We’ll also review current data on the safety and efficacy of topical finasteride in female patients.

Topical finasteride for women : What are the benefits? 

The main benefit of topical finasteride for women is the potential for a reduction in exposure to finasteride and its hormone suppressing effects in the bloodstream. Finasteride is not widely prescribed to female patients because the medication may cause harm to a developing fetus. This risk may be higher with 

. To mitigate this risk, finasteride is generally only considered for women who are postmenopausal or using effective contraception.

Topical finasteride may enable more women to safely take this medication without negatively impacting their health. Existing studies suggest that topical finasteride is well tolerated with few reports of systemic side effects (

). However, research on the use of topical finasteride in women is still in its early stages and more data is needed to fully establish its safety for women at all stages of life.

Topical finasteride for women: Does it actually work for hair loss?

Research on topical finasteride has shown that the treatment does help regrow hair and prevent further hair loss in female patients. However, because the role of androgens in female pattern hair loss is unclear, the response to finasteride may vary from patient to patient.

One key trial compared the efficacy of topical finasteride and minoxidil to topical minoxidil alone. After 24 weeks of treatment, results showed that women who received the combination therapy of 0.25% finasteride and 3% minoxidil saw more significant improvements in hair diameter (

).

Another study that compared topical finasteride to topical estradiol (a female sex steroid hormone) therapy found that participants who received topical finasteride saw improvements in hair growth almost twice as early than those taking estradiol (

).

There have also been several studies on the use of oral finasteride in women. The results of these studies help provide additional support for finasteride treatment in this population. A clinical trial of oral finasteride in pre and post-menopausal women revealed that 1.25 mg of finasteride daily improved hair loss in participants who had higher than normal baseline levels of androgens (

). A separate study found that a higher dose of finasteride (5 mg) led to an improvement in hair loss in women who were not able to take other medications in the same family of drugs (

). Yet another study found that daily treatment with 2.5 mg finasteride led to improvements in hair count using global photography in 62% of premenopausal study participants. These women were also prescribed an oral contraceptive at the same time 

).

The potential need for higher doses of finasteride in women to achieve therapeutic effects is yet another reason topical delivery of finasteride may present a viable alternative to the oral medication. Such formulations may include technology that concentrates drug action at the level of the hair follicles. This 

 increases uptake of finasteride while decreasing the amount of excess medication that makes its way into the bloodstream.

What are the side effects of topical finasteride for women?

An uncommon reported side effect of topical finasteride use in women is local skin irritation. This can occur with any topical applied to the skin and may present with redness, flaking and itching at the scalp.

Other known side effects of finasteride in women include decreased sex drive (libido), breast tenderness and depression (

). Studies using higher concentrations of finasteride have also noted headache, menstrual irregularity, dizziness and increased body hair growth as adverse effects (

).The risk of developing these side effects may be lower with topical finasteride.

Topical finasteride is prescribed on a case-by-case basis to women after careful consideration of a patient’s medical history and appropriate counselling on the safety risks (if necessary). Compared to oral finasteride, topical finasteride may help reduce the risk of adverse effects by limiting the medication’s entry into the bloodstream. This could have important implications for the safety of finasteride use in this population.

By giving more women a potentially safer way to take finasteride for female pattern hair loss, these formulations could provide further insight into the causes and ideal treatment of this complex hair loss disorder.

Dutasteride Cost

Dutasteride and finasteride are closely related medications, but there are some clear differences in pricing and availability. In this article, we’ll cover how much dutasteride costs, reasons for why dutasteride might be more expensive compared to finasteride and why some custom formulations of dutasteride cost more.

The first thing to be aware of is the fact that dutasteride is available in two forms: a branded version, sold under the name Avodart and an unbranded (generic) version. Typically, generic versions of medications cost much less than branded versions.

There may be significant price variations when it comes to generic dutasteride. This is because cost may be influenced by region, pharmacy dispensing costs, as well as patient insurance programs that may help substantially decrease out-of-pocket expenses. In general, generic versions of dutasteride are approximately four to five times less costly than Avodart.

Does dutasteride cost more than finasteride?

When comparing generic dutasteride to generic finasteride, dutasteride does cost more than finasteride. The pricing of medications depends on a few factors:

Potential to change prescribing practices, or reduce overall healthcare costs 

Dutasteride is a newer medication that has not yet been approved by the FDA or Health Canada for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Additionally, based on available research data, it may also be more potent and is potentially superior to finasteride in its ability to 

. Furthermore, dutasteride may be able to achieve these clinical results while having a similar side effect profile to finasteride (

). For these reasons, dutasteride is currently the costlier medication.

In addition to generic versions of dutasteride, compounded topical forms of dutasteride are also available with a prescription from a licensed physician. Topical formulations of dutasteride can vary in price for many reasons, including the choice of base or vehicle that dutasteride is being compounded in.

System™ Gel is one example of a topical formulation. It costs slightly more than other topicals currently available on the market because of our investment in research and development, formulation, the sourcing of ingredients for our gel base and compounding costs of the pharmacies we have chosen to partner with. The result is a clinical-grade gel with the unique ability to deliver medications precisely to the scalp in a timed-release way.

Other formulations of topical dutasteride use less sophisticated bases that are not only less expensive to produce, but don’t have the added advantage of administering the active ingredient in a controlled manner. Follow this link to learn more about 

In general, dutasteride is a costlier medication than finasteride. There are also price differences between compounded topical formulations of dutasteride. Since treating hair loss is a commitment and you’ll get the best results with consistent application, you may want to consider all of your options to find the one that best meets your needs, clinically and financially. If you have any questions or concerns about the cost of dutasteride or the differences between different formulations, we recommend that you contact your doctor.

Liposomal finasteride gel

Liposomal finasteride can be an effective medical treatment for hair loss. In this article, we discuss what liposomal finasteride gel is, the benefits of liposomal finasteride gel, differences between liposomal finasteride gel formulations and more.

Liposomal finasteride gel is a type of compounded medicine used to treat hair loss. It combines finasteride, an FDA-approved drug for hair loss, with a certain type of topical vehicle called a liposomal gel.

Liposomal finasteride gel is applied directly to the scalp skin to target hair loss more directly than 

 Topical treatments for hair loss like liposomal finasteride gel typically aim to maximize the effect on hair loss and reduce the medication’s side effect profile.

Liposomal finasteride gel works by transporting the active ingredient into cell membranes using liposomes to improve delivery of the drug within the scalp skin.

Liposomes are synthetic molecules with an outer lipid sheath. They were designed to act as vessels, carrying hydrophobic molecules past the lipid-based outer membrane of cells. Their composition allows them to permeate into cell membranes, which are lipid-based as well.

Medications like finasteride must be encapsulated within liposomes to increase their permeability. Active or passive methods can be employed to insert the active ingredient within liposomes. Liposomes containing finasteride are combined with water-based gels that can then be applied directly to areas affected by hair loss.

Drugs like finasteride can have difficulty permeating cell membranes without some help. Liposomal finasteride gel can help increase the degree of skin permeation within cellular membranes using liposomes.

This promotes greater uptake of the active ingredient, such as finasteride, within the scalp skin. 

 is rather complex. It contains many layers of tissue, hair follicles, nerves and blood vessels that act as passageways to the circulatory system. Liposomal finasteride gels can help to increase the drug’s effect within a certain layer of the skin or, more specifically, at the hair follicles.

 compounded without liposomes can still be effective. But the effects of finasteride can be enhanced by increasing drug permeation within the scalp skin. The addition of liposomes helps promote drug action at the hair follicles and improves uptake of the medication within the scalp skin.

Liposomal gels can help to reduce the amount of finasteride that enters the bloodstream by increasing uptake within the scalp skin. With more of the active ingredient processed within the scalp skin, less makes its way into deeper layers of tissue that contain blood vessels. This effect can be enhanced by reducing the rate of movement into the body.

When it comes to liposomal finasteride gel, not all formulations are equal. Liposomes help to promote greater uptake of finasteride within the scalp skin and hair follicles. But these lipid-based vessels aren’t able to self-regulate how quickly they permeate through the scalp skin.

Very few liposomal finasteride gel formulations can control the rate of permeation and create a sustained effect. But those that are able to do so enhance the benefits of liposomal delivery.

Certain agents can be added to liposomal finasteride gels to help reduce the rate of skin permeation. 

 formulated with this in mind promote targeted delivery of the active ingredient and minimize the risk of systemic circulation. This can help to lower the risk of 

, including lowered libido, erectile dysfunction and more.

Liposomal finasteride gel is a type of compounded topical medication that can be used to target hair loss. It aims to increase permeation of finasteride within cell membranes to promote uptake of the active ingredient within the scalp skin.

Liposomal finasteride gel formulations that effectively regulate the rate of skin permeation can enhance the benefits of liposomal drug delivery. They can maximize the amount of finasteride taken up within the scalp skin, and minimize the risk of absorption.

Finasteride Shedding

If you’re taking finasteride for hair loss, it can be alarming when you suddenly experience increased hair loss. This shedding is more common than you think and isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. In fact, this shedding can happen with any hair loss treatment and is not unique to finasteride. In this article, we’ll focus on finasteride and talk about what finasteride shedding is, when to expect finasteride shedding and what you can do if you’re experiencing shedding while taking a hair loss treatment.

Finasteride shedding refers to an unexpected increase in hair loss that begins shortly after starting finasteride treatment. It can occur with the oral or topical formulations of finasteride. It’s related to changes in the 

and is not to be confused with a true drug intolerance or allergy.

It also does not mean that your pattern hair loss has suddenly worsened. Shedding associated with finasteride treatment tends to affect the entire scalp and not just the areas where there is visible thinning (e.g. the hairline or crown of the head). Additionally, hair loss is restricted to the scalp and does not occur anywhere else on the body.

Finasteride does not directly cause shedding. Rather, it’s reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels as a result of taking finasteride that have an effect on the hair growth cycle. As DHT concentrations decrease, hair follicles spend more time in the active growth phase and the time between successive hair growth cycles also decreases (

).

The shedding you experience shortly after starting finasteride is an indication that hair follicles have entered new growth cycles. To make room for developing hairs, existing hairs must first be pushed out. When this happens en masse, you have a sudden increase in hair loss.

There is some variation when it comes to when patients begin to notice this increased shedding. In most cases, this can be as early as within the first month of beginning a new hair loss treatment. In other instances, it may take up to two or three months for the individual to notice some increased hair shedding.

Finasteride shedding: How long does it last?

The good news about this kind of shedding is that it’s typically self-limiting and resolves with time. By the sixth month of treatment, most patients see resolution of treatment-related shedding, but shedding can certainly stop earlier. If hair loss continues long-term, it may be necessary to consult your doctor to determine whether there may be some other underlying 

What should I do if I have shedding while on finasteride?

Don’t panic. You may need to wait things out and see whether shedding improves. It’s important that if you’re concerned about hair loss after starting finasteride, that you do not attempt to change your dose without first speaking to your doctor. They’ll be able to work with you to review options for managing finasteride shedding.

Finasteride After Hair Transplant

For some hair loss patients, the best option to treat their hair loss is a surgical hair transplant. You may be wondering whether you still need to take finasteride after a hair transplant. In this article, we’ll review the reasons for starting or continuing to take finasteride after a hair transplant and how it can affect the success of your hair restoration procedure.

Finasteride after hair transplant. Do I have to take it?

Every patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but many hair transplant surgeons do recommend taking finasteride after a hair transplant. This is because finasteride can help maintain and regrow hair. In a clinical study comparing finasteride to placebo in men who had received hair transplants for male pattern hair loss, those who were given the active drug saw greater improvements in hair density in surgical and surrounding areas (

).

The reasons for this come down to genetics. Hair follicles located in certain parts of the scalp are more prone to the effects of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hair follicles are usually concentrated along the hairline and the top of the head (i.e. the crown), which are also areas where thinning is most apparent. Hairs located in other areas of the scalp, such as the occipital region, are less susceptible to DHT and therefore more resistant to its effects (

). This is why hairs from this region are selected for hair transplants.

Greater resistance to the effects of DHT does not necessarily make these hairs immune to hormonal hair loss. It may simply occur at a much slower rate. Taking finasteride after a hair transplant can help ensure that transplanted hair follicles continue to produce healthy hairs, for as long as possible and importantly, prevent further progression of hair loss in untreated areas.

How long do you have to take finasteride after a hair transplant?

You may need to take finasteride indefinitely following a hair transplant to maintain your results. Of course, this would depend on your tolerance to the medication and the absence of any adverse effects in the short and long-term. We recommend that you consult with your hair transplant surgeon to understand what your treatment duration may need to be.

You could be prescribed either an oral or topical form of finasteride. Your hair transplant surgeon will determine which of these options would be ideal for you. If you’re prescribed 

, they’ll provide advice on how and where to apply your treatment and when to start application in order to allow the surgical area time to heal.

Can I have a hair transplant without finasteride?

The answer to this depends on your hair transplant surgeon and their assessment of your case of hair loss. For the reasons identified above, you may not see the best results if you choose not to take finasteride after your procedure. Following your transplant, you could see a dramatic cosmetic improvement as a result of hair growth in the areas the procedure has targeted. But a major concern may be whether pre-existing hair in or around the transplanted areas can be sustained without the use of finasteride.

If you undergo a hair transplant without taking finasteride, it’s possible that hairs in non-transplanted areas will continue to thin over time. This can lead to an undesirable cosmetic result where hairs in the surgical area may be much denser than surrounding areas.

Finasteride after hair transplant takeaway

Hair transplants can produce dramatic results in patients experiencing androgenetic alopecia. But to make the most of these procedures, it may be necessary to take finasteride. The main benefits of finasteride use after a transplant are the maintenance of hair growth in areas around treated regions of the scalp and support of new growth in transplanted follicles. If your hair loss treatment plan includes a hair transplant, be sure to talk to your surgeon about the need to use finasteride.

Finasteride vs dutasteride

If you are considering treating your hair loss, you may have narrowed your options down to dutasteride and finasteride. But it can be difficult to ultimately decide which one is right for you.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about dutasteride vs finasteride. Read on for more information on dutasteride vs finasteride cost, dutasteride vs finasteride side effects, dutasteride vs finasteride results and what you need to know about these hair loss treatments.


Finasteride vs dutasteride for hair loss

Dutasteride and finasteride can both be used to effectively treat male pattern hair loss. Each drug blocks an enzyme called 

 (5-AR), which normally produces the hormone DHT (

). Elevated DHT is a primary cause of hair loss in men. But how do dutasteride and finasteride work differently?

The 5-AR enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Both dutasteride and finasteride prevent this chemical conversion from happening, reducing the concentration of DHT within the body over time. Thereby, the concentration of DHT at the scalp decreases over time, slowing hair loss and even promoting hair growth in many cases.

There are three different versions of the 5-AR enzyme, which all contribute to DHT production to some degree. Finasteride targets one structural variant, 5-AR type 2. Dutasteride, on the other hand, acts on two types of 5-AR: types 1 and type 2.

Ultimately, dutasteride and finasteride can both be used to treat hair loss. However, dutasteride may be a better option for those with more severe hair loss because of its dual action against the 5-AR enzyme.


It can be hard to compare dutasteride vs finasteride because these drugs have a similar side effect profile. However, some clinical studies show that the risk can be slightly higher when it comes to dutasteride vs finasteride side effects because of dutasteride’s dual action on the 5-AR enzyme and a more pronounced effect on DHT in circulation. You can find the most commonly reported side effects of these medications below.

When comparing the cost of dutasteride vs finasteride, there are a few things to consider.

Finasteride is more commonly prescribed as a treatment for hair loss than dutasteride. This generally means that you can get it at a lower cost. Oral finasteride is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat male pattern hair loss. The generic form of this medication can be a more affordable treatment for hair loss. 

Topical finasteride is a compounded medicine, which means it must be prepared on an individual basis. Compounded medicines can only be prepared and dispensed by select compounding pharmacies, which can increase the cost of the medicine. Different topical finasteride formulations can also vary in cost.


Some variables that contribute to the cost of topical formulations include the efficacy of the 

 (what the medication is compounded into), its ability to minimize adverse effects as well as the elegance of how it may feel on the skin. This ultimately can enhance results by increasing adherence to application of a topical medication.

Dutasteride can be a more costly hair loss treatment than finasteride, as the drug often comes at a higher price point. Some patients still opt for dutasteride despite this because it can be more effective than finasteride in treating male pattern baldness. Its demonstrated clinical efficacy may make it a better choice for some patients.

Ultimately, the finasteride vs dutasteride cost debate comes down to individual needs and preferences. Those who are looking for a more affordable option may opt for oral finasteride, while those seeking a more effective treatment regardless of cost may choose compounded topical dutasteride.

In some regions, certain hair loss treatments are covered by health insurance, which can help cover the cost of dutasteride and finasteride. No matter which drug you choose, it's important to make an informed decision when considering finasteride vs dutasteride cost. Ultimately, the best choice is up to each patient and their doctor.


 (male pattern baldness).

In elevated concentrations, the hormone DHT can cause both prostate enlargement and hair loss. Dutasteride and finasteride help reduce the amount of DHT in the body over time. Lowering DHT levels helps to treat these conditions.

Oral dutasteride and oral finasteride are both approved to treat BPH. But the difference between dutasteride vs finasteride treatments comes down to treating hair loss. Only oral finasteride is approved to treat hair loss. Although topical dutasteride and topical finasteride can be prescribed as compounded medicines to treat male pattern hair loss, a consultation with a doctor has decided that it is required to determine if it is suitable for you.

Dutasteride and finasteride can both be effective treatments for male pattern hair loss. Some clinical data supports that dutasteride can reduce DHT at the scalp by around 90%, thanks to its dual action on the 5-AR enzyme (

). Finasteride is not far behind – it’s thought to reduce scalp DHT by around 70% for most men (

).

A growing body of clinical data supports that dutasteride is a more potent hair loss treatment and might reign when it comes down to dutasteride vs finasteride results (

). This drug may be a treatment alternative for men with severe hair loss or patients who have had little or no success with finasteride.



So what’s the verdict when it comes to comparing dutasteride vs finasteride? Dutasteride is typically the more expensive option. The risk of side effects with dutasteride vs finasteride may be greater as well. However, this medication continues to be an option for many men with hair loss because it has shown to be an effective treatment.

Oral finasteride is still a top recommendation to treat hair loss because it is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment. But topical finasteride can also be considered as a compounded prescription medication to help reduce the risk of side effects that some men experience with oral finasteride.



 and finasteride are commonly used to treat male pattern hair loss. These prescription medications work similarly, but may differ with regards to cost, results and side effects. You should always consult with a licensed physician to help you decide which hair loss treatment is ultimately right for you.


Prevent hair loss while you sleep

Is it normal to lose hair while you sleep? The answer is yes, but to a degree.

If you’re alarmed by the amount of hair you find on your pillow every morning, you might be wondering what you can do to prevent hair loss while you sleep.

In this article, we’ve highlighted 5 ways to help prevent hair loss while you sleep. Anyone can add these healthy habits to their bedtime routine to lower the risk of hair breakage, reduce damage to hair follicles and combat hair loss.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 

 in the United States don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night (CDC 2020).

When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can do a number on healthy hair, stunting hair growth and even causing hair to shed prematurely.

Getting enough sleep is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your overall health and help prevent hair loss in your sleep. Consider making an early New Year’s resolution to hit the hay a little earlier every evening.

While they may still look clean and bright, your week-old sheets can trap bacteria, hair and skin particles. Exposure to bacteria can cause a variety of skin and hair woes, including skin irritation, dryness, redness and scaling. It may also contribute to the development of fungal or bacterial infections of the hair follicle.

A good rule of thumb is to swap out your pillowcase every 5-7 days. Make sure to cleanse your face before your head hits the pillow to help keep bacteria growth at bay.

Research has shown that stress can affect everything from metabolism to hair, skin and nail health.

During periods of both short and long-term stress, your body ramps up cortisol production. Cortisol — colloquially referred to as the stress hormone — interferes with the hair growth cycle. It signals the body to cut the active growth phase (

) prematurely. Your hair doesn’t become as long or strong as it should, and the quality of your mane suffers over time.

What’s more, elevated cortisol is thought to 

 (male pattern hair loss), a type of autoimmune hair loss called alopecia areata, and a stress-related hair shedding called telogen effluvium.

Try to carve out some time to de-stress each night. Journaling, practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises are great ways to relax. Or, you might opt for a guided meditation or virtual yoga session from the comfort of your bedroom. Any downtime is a step in the right direction for your mental health and your hair health.


The structure of the hair is porous. Saturated with water, the chemical bonds that make up each shaft are weakened, leaving hair less structurally sound and more susceptible to breakage. Simply put, your hair isn’t as strong once it’s wet.

 overseen by the Korean Dermatological Association suggests that prolonged periods of moisture — such as going to bed with wet hair — can be more detrimental to hair health than high-temperature heat styling (Lee et al. 2011).

If a shower or bath is part of your nightly ritual, try to let your hair dry before you situate yourself in bed. Air-drying is best, but you can also speed along the process by blow-drying on low heat until your locks are mostly dry.

5. Don’t style your hair in a tight knot for bed

When you pull your hair back into a taut ‘do on a regular basis, you’re putting a lot of strain on hair follicles. Hair loss resulting from prolonged or recurring tension on hair follicles is called 

 (Bilero and Miteva, 2018). This is especially true if you sport a ponytail, bun or braids in bed, or if you make an effort to keep your coiffure intact overnight.

Certain techniques that are used to preserve hard-to-achieve hairstyles overnight can create undue tension on your hair and ultimately promote premature shedding. The specific type of friction your tresses experience as you move around in your sleep has been dubbed 

The best way to avoid this type of hair loss is by being proactive. If possible, avoid tying long hair back too tightly when you go to bed. Instead, try gathering your hair into a loose, low ponytail using a fabric scrunchie to minimize potential damage and prevent hair loss as you sleep.

There aren’t any miracle hair loss treatments that will reverse hair loss or completely restore your tresses overnight. But there are small steps you can take to improve hair health, increase the rate of hair growth and minimize the risk of damage to your hair while you recharge.


Dutasteride Side Effects

Dutasteride is a medication that can be prescribed off-label to treat male pattern hair loss. Like other medications used to treat hair loss, there are some associated side effects that may be reduced by switching to a topical formulation. Here is a brief overview of some key safety points about dutasteride.

What are the side effects of dutasteride?

When it comes to dutasteride, there are potential side effects that you should be aware of. You should inform your doctor if you experience any of the following:

Breast tenderness, enlargement (i.e. gynecomastia) or discharge

While these side effects can range from mild to severe, preliminary scientific data on dutasteride shows that it is likely safe and generally well tolerated by patients (

). Dutasteride could interact with certain antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and chemotherapeutic agents. It’s important to inform your doctor about any other treatments or supplements you may be taking.

Men who have a family history or personal history of prostate cancer should be aware that dutasteride and related drugs may increase the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer (

). This is because these medications may affect the ability to detect certain cancers in tissue samples. Make sure your doctor is aware of your medical history and any existing medical conditions.

Women who may become pregnant, or who are pregnant must not handle or take dutasteride. The medication may cause serious developmental abnormalities in male babies. Notify your doctor and pharmacist immediately if a woman has accidentally come into contact with dutasteride.

It’s important to understand why dutasteride has side effects. Dutasteride works by blocking the enzyme which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), similar to finasteride. By blocking the formation of DHT and reducing the amount of this hormone in the blood, there’s less of a chance that DHT will attach to hair follicles and cause them to shrink (i.e. follicular miniaturization) and stop producing healthy hairs.

Unfortunately, this also means that dutasteride has the potential to interfere with normal hormone production and cause side effects in other areas of the body. These areas can include the reproductive system and nervous system (brain).

Current study data show that topical forms of dutasteride, such as 

, may help minimize this risk compared to the oral drug. They do so by reducing systemic absorption of the active ingredient into the bloodstream and targeting its delivery to the hair follicle.

You may be concerned about whether dutasteride side effects are permanent. In most cases, side effects of dutasteride and comparable medications are reversible (

). At this time, the most comprehensive safety data available to the scientific community is on a similar medication called finasteride.

Side effects linked to this class of drugs generally go away once patients stop taking the medication (i.e. effects last only as long as the user is on treatment). Though there have been reports of long-term sexual side effects, there isn’t enough study data currently to conclude that these medications directly cause long term problems. With that said, side effects should always be looked into and you should notify your doctor if you believe dutasteride treatment is affecting your health.

What should I do if I experience side effects while on dutasteride?

There are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re staying on top of your health and safety during treatment:

You should always tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience unexpected effects while taking dutasteride. They will work closely with you to determine the cause of your side effects and assess whether treatment changes need to be made to avoid them.


Your doctor may recommend changing your dose of dutasteride to something smaller. Since the risk of side effects is greater when concentrations of a medication in the bloodstream are higher, lowering the amount of drug that enters the body may be helpful. With that being said, you should never try to adjust your dosing without first consulting with your doctor.


Dutasteride is a powerful hair loss treatment, but it isn’t the only option. You may have heard of topical minoxidil, or hair transplant surgery. These target different aspects of pattern hair loss and some individuals may respond better to one treatment over another. Your doctor is the best person to talk to about the ideal treatment for your specific case of hair loss.

It’s important to communicate with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding side effects of dutasteride, or any other medication you may be taking. Your doctor can help you understand your individual risk and provide guidance on how dutasteride could affect you.

Many men are able to take dutasteride to treat hair loss without any issues. If you're worried about side effects, 

 might be an option. Connect with a dermatologist today through XYON to see if this treatment is right for you.

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