Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a very common condition that many men deal with at some point in their lives. In fact, about two-thirds of men will experience it by the age of 35, and for some, it can start much earlier. It’s responsible for receding hairlines and bald spots in men and is scientifically known as Androgenetic Alopecia—the most common type of hair loss in men.
### What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
The main culprit behind MPB is a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a byproduct of testosterone. While DHT plays a big role in growth during puberty, it can also weaken hair follicles over time, leading to hair loss. Research shows that blocking DHT can significantly slow down hair loss and even help regrow hair.
### Hair Loss Treatments
Since MPB is so common, hair loss treatments have become a huge industry over the years. There are two scientifically approved treatments for MPB: Minoxidil and Finasteride.
Minoxidil improves blood flow to hair follicles, which helps them grow stronger hair. It’s effective for preventing bald spots and encouraging hair regrowth on the crown. Finasteride, on the other hand, focuses on reducing DHT levels to address hair loss, especially around receding hairlines and bald spots.
Both treatments are backed by science and have been widely used for years. However, newer treatments are starting to gain attention as well.
### Finasteride: Safety and Side Effects
Finasteride is a popular option for MPB treatment, but it does come with some potential side effects. These are rare, but some men who take oral Finasteride (typically in tablet form) report issues like swelling, rashes, or itchiness. In rarer cases, sexual side effects have been observed.
For example, a clinical trial found that 3.8% of men taking oral Finasteride experienced sexual side effects, compared to 2.1% of those taking a placebo. While this is a small percentage, it’s understandable why some men may feel hesitant to try the treatment.
Thankfully, there’s now a newer version of Finasteride that significantly reduces the risk of these side effects.
### Topical Finasteride
Finasteride treatments are available in two forms: oral (like tablets or liquids) and topical (such as creams or sprays applied directly to the scalp).
Topical Finasteride works similarly to the oral version by blocking DHT, the main cause of hair loss, but it comes with fewer side effects. Unlike some other treatments, it doesn’t contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or propylene glycol, which can sometimes irritate the scalp or cause dandruff.
A 2016 study compared the side effects of topical and oral Finasteride among men aged 18–40. The results showed that only 2 out of 52 men using the topical treatment experienced mild skin irritation, while none reported sexual side effects. In contrast, 3 men from the oral group experienced side effects.
### Where to Get Topical Finasteride
Although it’s a newer option, you can already find topical Finasteride through reliable providers. For example, some services offer it via subscription, delivering the treatment straight to your door. After a quick online consultation with a clinician to confirm that it’s the right option for you, the treatment can be shipped directly, offering a convenient and safe alternative for tackling MPB.