Rogaine vs Finasteride

[bwaters2000]

What could be the reason(s) that some doctors recommend finasteride vs Rogaine? Do they recommend finasteride for early stage male pattern baldness patients OR do they do so to keep your business as you have to come back to them to get prescription after the refills run out?

What are the differences between finasteride and Rogaine other than finasteride being oral medication and Rogaine being over the counter topical solution.

 

[kc444]

Rogaine is a growth stimulant. When you take it, you will have more hair on your head. However, it does not stop hair loss from progressing. After 4-6 months, you'll have more hair than you did when you started, but you'll continue to lose hair at the same rate as you did before. Think of it as a booster.

Finasteride is a DHT inhibitor. It does stop hair loss from progressing because DHT is responsible for the damage to the hair follicles which causes the hair to thin. It typically grows some hair as well. It's necessary if you want to maintain your hair for years to come.

Because they work differently, most people on here use both for the best of both worlds. If you could only choose one though, finasteride is the best, especially if you're in the early stages on hair loss.

 

[Chris87]

I would suggest starting finasteride first then adding minoxidil after 12 months if needed.

I agree with Ben. You should see how much hair finasteride regrows and maintains...then if thats not enough for you..try out minoxidil. minoxidil is a pain in the ***...instead of just popping a little pill everyday, you've got to apply it 2 times a day and its messy and time consuming...and just an overall pain in the ***. So if you can get away with just taking finasteride..i think thats the way to go