Minoxidil vs Propecia (frontal and mid scalp hairloss)

[blakes33]

Are both equally effective?

[Tracy C]

These two medications do two different things.

Propecia (or generic Finasteride) treats the cause of hereditary hair loss by blocking the formation of the hormone DHT - but it is not a growth stimulant. It simply "allows" hair follicles that can still grow hair to grow hair.

Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil) is a growth stimulant - but it does nothing to treat the cause of hereditary hair loss. It simply "stimulates" hair follicles that can still grow hair to grow hair.

Since Propecia (or generic Finasteride) treats the actual cause of hereditary hair loss, it is more effective. Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil) only treats the symptom and not the cause, so it is less effective. Using these two medications together gives you the best chances of arresting, slowing down or possibly reversing hereditary hair loss to some degree.

[PatientlyWaiting]

I use both every day and have only managed to keep what I have. It's been around 14 months. Maybe, just maybe, I have regrown or thicken but i can't tell. I stopped taking pictures and following the progress a while ago.

Bottom line, just use both.

[blakes33]

Originally Posted by Tracy C

These two medications do two different things.

Propecia (or generic Finasteride) treats the cause of hereditary hair loss by blocking the formation of the hormone DHT - but it is not a growth stimulant. It simply "allows" hair follicles that can still grow hair to grow hair.

Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil) is a growth stimulant - but it does nothing to treat the cause of hereditary hair loss. It simply "stimulates" hair follicles that can still grow hair to grow hair.

Since Propecia (or generic Finasteride) treats the actual cause of hereditary hair loss, it is more effective. Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil) only treats the symptom and not the cause, so it is less effective. Using these two medications together gives you the best chances of arresting, slowing down or possibly reversing hereditary hair loss to some degree.

Thanks for that distinction Tracy. What exactly do you mean Monixidil will stimulate hair follicles to grow? You mean hairs that are about to fall out? So Minoxidil doesn't stop hair loss at all?

Sounds like you are saying that Minoxidil won't help keep the hair propecia was keeping alive if I switch only to Minoxidil? Sorry..just a little unclear if Minoxidil can basically do the same thing propecia has done for 14 years?

[Tracy C]

Originally Posted by blakes33

Sorry..just a little unclear if Minoxidil can basically do the same thing propecia has done for 14 years?

Minoxidil does not do the same thing that Finasteride does. Minoxidil treats the symptom of the problem. Finasteride treats the problem itself. It is best to use them together if you need to try to regrow hair.

The effects of Minoxidil can slow down hereditary hair loss for some people - but Finasteride can slow down or stop hereditary hair loss for most people. It is best to use them together if you need to try to regrow hair.