Finasteride 1mg tablets is the only licensed alpha-reductase blocker to treat androgenetic alopecia in men. By blocking this enzyme, finasteride lowers DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels in the body which in turns reduces the negative impact on hair growth.
Some of the listed side effects of taking Finasteride are decreased libido, depressed mood, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder. These side effects occur in the range greater than 1 in 1000 to less than 1 in 100 men. Data showed that 3.8% of men taking finasteride 1mg tablets for a year may suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction. On average, about 2% of men may get some form of side effects.
Effects on blood DHT levels
By taking finasteride 1 mg tablets, DHT levels in the serum is reduced by 70%. It is hypothesised that due to this reduction in DHT in the body, that side effects occur.
So, how does this compare to topical solutions? Studies show that by using a topical solution of 0.25% finasteride on the scalp, serum DHT levels are still reduced by 25%!
It is therefore wrong to assume that topical finasteride at 0.25% will have no side effects. On average, 1% (or less) of men may get some form of side effects when using topical finasteride 0.25% strength. Everyone’s body is different and individuals are sensitive to any small changes in the blood of anything and a 25% reduction in blood DHT levels may bring about side effects.
If a drug reduced blood levels of DHT by 0%, would there be no side effects? The surprising answer is no! Even in the same placebo study, sexual side effects reported were 0.7%. This could be due to the fact that statistics show that by the age of 30 years, 30% of men have some form of sexual dysfunction. At 50 years, the rate of some form of sexual issues go up to 50%.
Conclusion
Topical finasteride is clearly safer than finasteride tablets but the strength of the topical solution does matter. It would be wrong to state that topical finasteride solution will have no side effects.
The Hairology Centre formulates topical solution of finasteride that is much lower than 0.25% strength.