Side Effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil

Side Effects of Finasteride

As hair loss is widespread, countless individuals use Minoxidil and Finasteride in Word Carta to combat it. These medications are commonly prescribed for androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) and can be effective in most patients. But, as any prescription drug would have it, so do the side effects. Knowing about these effects is essential if you are considering or already using such treatments. Here, we discuss the positive and negative impacts of Minoxidil and Finasteride so that you can evaluate these two popular hair loss treatment options before deciding which is the right choice for your hair restoration plan.

If you’re going to blame Minoxidil and Finasteride for hair loss treatment, you must know about their side effects.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is another well-known topical solution that boosts hair growth. It was initially used for hypertension, but the original medication had an interesting side effect—hair growth. Today, it’s sold in a handful of formulations (a couple in the form of 2% and 5% topical solutions) to be applied to the scalp’s impacted area. Minoxidil is believed to work by increasing blood circulation near the hair follicles, promoting a healthier hair growth cycle.

Possibility of Side Effects from Minoxidil

Scalp Irritation and Dryness

Scalp irritation, dryness, and/or itching are common side effects of Minoxidil during the initial weeks of use. Sometimes, these symptoms can even result in dandruff or flaking.

The alcohol-based formulation of most minoxidil solutions may contribute to scalp dryness, which is one possible cause. Foams are often less irritating than liquid solutions, so it may be possible to switch to a foam-based formula without changing the strength of the medication that is also given.

Excessive Hair Shedding

Hair loss for the first few weeks of minoxidil use is typical in many users. This is a short-term effect, and it typically disappears in a month or two.

Minoxidil accelerates the hair cycle and pushes out weak hairs to make room for new growth.

Excessive Growth of Hair on the Face or Body

Other users have seen hair growing in other areas besides the head (e.g., forehead or face, especially in women!). This can happen if some of the Minoxidil extends beyond the scalp.

As such, avoid coming in contact with it, allowing minoxidil to fall on other regions of your body and ensuring the hair is not washed off.

Allergic Reactions

In some users, this is an allergic reaction to Minoxidil (but it is typically a response to an inactive ingredient (one of the big culprits is propylene glycol).

It can cause symptoms such as rash, swelling and trouble breathing. In those instances, you need medical attention immediately.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Minoxidil was initially developed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), and its use can occasionally result in a minor decrease in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. This side effect is uncommon with the topical formulation.

If dizziness continues, it would be best to see a doctor, who may suggest lowering the dose or stopping use entirely.

Chest Pain or Rapid Heartbeats

Occasionally, users find that they get chest pain or palpitations, which is particularly common with higher concentrations of Minoxidil.

Those with certain heart conditions may benefit from taking Minoxidil; however, they must be careful and consult their physician before proceeding with treatment.

Water Retention and Swelling

Due to fluid retention, some users might also experience swelling in different body parts, such as the hands, feet, or face.

While this side effect is most often associated with the use of oral Minoxidil (for advanced cases of hypertension), it can still be seen occasionally when Minoxidil is used topically.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is an oral medication initially created for the treatment of benign prostate disorder. It is directed at the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a well-known culprit in hair follicle miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia. Conversely, Finasteride works by lowering DHT levels in the body, which helps slow down hair loss and stimulate new growth!

Is Finasteride Side Effects?

Sexual Side Effects

The most frequently reported adverse effects of Finasteride are sexual, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction and decreased semen volume.

These associated effects are thought to be caused by finasteride’s impact on some hormone levels. Although most of the users get these side effects only for a short period, few people experience long-lasting symptoms, which are sometimes still present after stopping the drug (Post-Finasteride Syndrome or PFS).

Gynecomastia Due to Hormonal Imbalance

Finasteride, by lowering DHT, can correct a hormone imbalance, but this correction may result in gynecomastia or breast tissue development in men. This happens when there are too many estrogens and not enough testosterone.

Gynecomastia can be uncomfortable physically and affect the psychological level of an individual, and in extreme cases, surgery is necessary.

Depression and Anxiety

For some users, the drug has been reported to have mood-related side effects on depression, anxiety, or worse, setting them up for suicidal thoughts. While not as expected, this pernicious effect is noteworthy and needs to be monitored closely.

Studies are being done in this area, but the change in hormonal balance may affect brain chemistry in vulnerable people.

Cognitive Side Effects

There are reports of memory problems and brain fog while on Finasteride, however. Based on rigorous clinical studies to date, these cognitive symptoms are poorly understood and may not have a causal link, and anecdotal reports suggest an association with Finasteride.

Allergic Reactions

Like all medications, there are also possible allergic reactions (e.g., a rash, itching, or swelling). Your immune system reacts severely, and you may be gasping for breath; this needs instant medical help.

Prostate Cancer Risk

Finasteride could be a potential contributing factor to high-grade prostate cancer. This is believed to be linked to Finasteride’s effect on DHT, which contributes to the development of prostate cells.

Finasteride is occasionally used to reduce the chance of benign prostate extension; however, men who have a record of prostate cancer need to communicate about this chance with their medical doctor.

Pregnancy-Related Risks

Pregnant women should never touch Finasteride because this drug can result in offspring birth defects and actually causes severe damage to male fetuses. This loss of pharmaceutical effect from crushed or broken tablets can allow active ingredients to be absorbed across the skin.

Maximizing Benefits, Minimizing Risks Of Minoxidil And Finasteride

While both also work very well for hair loss, the side effects associated with Minoxidil and Finasteride should be weighed in later. If you are looking for a way to balance the upside and downside, then here are some tips:

Take A Look At Your Own Health History

Before starting either treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, medications, or allergies that may increase the risk of side effects.

Start with a Lower Dose

A lower concentration may be ideal for Minoxidil so that you can assess tolerance. Likewise, many doctors will prescribe half-doses of Finasteride to minimize the risk of side effects.

Monitor for Side Effects

Keep track of any physical, emotional, or mental changes you may experience and tell your doctor. Sometimes, side effects subside as your body acclimates to the medicine; otherwise, if issues persist, discontinuation may be required.

Consider Combining Treatments

Since Minoxidil affects hair loss differently than Finasteride, some people do better on a combination of both medications. Your physician can assess whether a combination therapy may improve results while mitigating side effects.

Minoxidil and Finasteride Alternatives

Many patients feel side effects or prefer to skip medications, so there are a few options:

Laser Treatment (Low-Level Laser)

Laser caps and combs also stimulate hair follicles and help slow down loss.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy

With PRP therapy, there are minimal side effects because it uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth, a more natural method.

DHT Blockers and Natural Supplements

Saw palmetto and other natural supplements have been suggested to lower DHT levels without the hormonal side effects from drugs, but results are mixed and more research is needed.

Hair loss is treatable using an effective over-the-counter solution such as minoxidil or a prescription item (Finasteride) backed by rigorous science. However, both types of these drugs have side effects, some mild, others more severe. These risks should be balanced against the benefits, discussed with a healthcare professional, and alternatives → if appropriate → considered. These treatments will likely provide significant hair density and a growth area but should be selected depending on what you feel comfortable doing with your body and health.

In the end, doing your research, keeping track of potential side effects, and immediately practising both medicine and hair itself should help you find a solution to finding a workout option that is more appropriate for your health and beauty aspirations.