Finasteride alternatives: What can I use instead

Finasteride is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness, a hormonal condition known in other names as Androgenetic alopecia (picture below)...

Finasteride is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Male Pattern Baldness, a hormonal condition known in other names as Androgenetic alopecia (picture below) due to its ability to lower the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Consistent and long term use of Finasteride stops hair loss and allows good regrowth of hair.

alternative finasteride — Showing the effects of Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia) that can be treated by Finasteride or its alternatives.

However due to its potency as a strong medicine and its considerable side effect profile, some people prefer to use either natural or medical alternatives. These can include taking other DHT lowering medications or using natural (herbal) remedies to lower DHT on the scalp, improve blood flow to hair follicles and reduce inflammation.

In this article we aim to give you an overview of some of the alternatives available for Finasteride. For more tailored advice to your specific need, please consult your healthcare provider.

You can now order Finasteride and other medicines for hair loss from Meds For Less easily, discreetly and reliably, and have them delivered to your home within the next 24 hours.

Is There an Alternative to Finasteride?

The question: “What can I used instead of Finasteride” is a good and complex question. Through this blog post we will do our best to help you answer it. There are plenty of alternatives to Finasteride in the context of Hair Loss Treatments. The choice of these depends on your specific health condition and your treatment goals. Some options include:

Minoxidil (Brand name Rogaine / Regaine)
- This is an Over the Counter (OTC) topical cream that promotes hair growth by improving blood flow to the hair follicles. It can be used by both men and women
Dutasteride (Sold under the brand name Avodart)
- This is a medicine similar to Finasteride, it blocks enzymes known as 5 alpha reductases and inhibits the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is a prescription medicine and is usually prescribed off-label for hair loss.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
- This is an antifungal shampoo that has anti-Androgenetic properties and can reduce scalp inflammation and hair thinning.
Natural remedies and supplementation for hair health such as:
- Saw Palmetto plant extracts that can help inhibit DHT production
- Biotin and Zinc supplements to improve your overall hair health.

All these medicines and options can help you tackle Androgenetic Alopecia to some extent, such as seen in picture 2 below.The choice of medicine you use to help you treat hair loss should be selected after considering some important factors such as your medical history, tolerance to the considered medicine and desired outcomes.

natural finasteride — The use of treatment options for Androgenetic Alopecia in males and their results

You should consult a healthcare professional about any medicine you are planning to take as side effects and effectiveness of medicines can vary and affect different people differently.

Some combinations may also work better when used in conjunction with Finasteride instead of as a complete alternative, please discuss with your healthcare advisor about which option is best for you.

Top Finasteride Substitutes for Hair Regrowth

Some of the best substitutes for Finasteride in treating hair loss include:

Dutasteride (sold under the brand name Avodart)
- Dutasteride is a highly effective prescription medication which blocks both forms of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase leading to a greater reduction in DHT than what Finasteride can achieve. This allows stabilisation of hair loss, regrowth of dormant hair follicles and leads to thicker hair regrowth. It can be used for severe Androgenetic Alopecia (Male pattern hair loss) as seen in the picture below.

The treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia through the use of medical alternatives to Finasteride

Minoxidil (sold under the brand name Rogaine)
- A highly effective OTC topical treatment which increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates follicle activity. It’s effective for both men and women and is an easy to access medication to use for mild to moderate hair loss. Oral Minoxidil can be used as a substitute to those not responding to the topical versions
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- PRP therapy is a therapy where platelets are taken from your own bloodstream and injected into your scalp. PRP stimulates dormant hair follicles leading to thicker and denser hair over time.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
- This is a therapy which reduces scalp inflammation and lowers topical DHT. It has limited ability to regrow hair but it supports scalp health and its DHT lowering ability greatly increases the efficacy of other hair treatments when used in combination.

For maximal hair regrowth, a combination of these treatments can be used. These combinations can include:

Dutasteride or Minoxidil together – this can be a primary treatment
PRP therapy along with other therapies to help stimulate follicle growth
Ketoconazole shampoo in conjunctions with other therapies to maintain and support scalp health.

Natural Alternatives to Finasteride:

There are several natural options and alternatives for Finasteride which can help reduce Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and improve scalp health. These natural alternatives can provide many benefits for hair health, especially when used in combination with pharmaceutical options. Some of the best Natural alternatives to finasteride include:

Saw Palmetto extracts – inhibit 5-alpha reductase and decrease the formation of DHT which lower DHT levels. These extracts can help improve hair health and can be taken oral supplements or be applied topically.
Pumpkin seed oil – Rich in phytosterols, pumpkin seed oil can support scalp health and help combat male Androgenetic alopecia. This oil can also be taken both orally or topically
Green Tea – the key compound in green tea is Epigallocatechin (EGCG), which is an antioxidant and can inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzymes and lower Dihydrotestosterone levels (DHT).
Rosemary oil – Rosemary oil can improve blood flow to the scalp and it also has mild-DHT blocking properties. This is a safe and effective topical treatment that can be used to reduce hair loss.

There are a whole range of natural Finasteride alternatives that you can use. Some key points you should keep in mind when considering natural alternatives to Finasteride are that they make a longer period of consistent use to show results and that they may only be effective for mild to moderate hair loss.

Just like with medical alternatives, you should consider speaking to your healthcare provider about your options, needs and goals before starting natural supplements to figure out the best treatment choice for you.

Comparing Finasteride and Other Hair Loss Treatments

It’s always a good idea to compare potential treatment options with each other. The following is a brief comparison between Finasteride and some of its alternatives.

Finasteride

Finasteride is cost-effective, affordable, prescription medicine that lowers the level of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp and the bloodstream. This medicine achieves this effect by inhibiting the function of the enzyme, 5 alpha reductase.

It is highly effective for Male Androgenetic alopecia (Male pattern hair loss) and slows hair loss and promotes regrowth in areas like the crown or the scalp.

Some of the side effects of Finasteride include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction or mood changes in a small proportion of users.

Dutasteride

Dutasteride can be considered an alternative finasteride like therapy. It is a prescription medicine for hair loss which is more potent than Finasteride. It works by blocking both types of 5-alpha reductase enzymes and causes a greater reduction in Dihydrotestosterone.

Due to being more potent than Finasteride, it is only used and effective when Finasteride fails.

The side effects are similar to Finasteride but they may be slightly more potent due to Dutasteride’s increased effectiveness.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medicine that can be taken both topically (OTC) and orally (prescription). It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating natural growth.

Its effective and works well on both men and women, especially for crown thinning or diffuse thinning. The best results are achieved in combination with Finasteride but it can be used alone as well. As such its best suited for mild to moderate hair loss.

Side effects of topical Minoxidil include scalp irritation, dryness and irritation. Side effects of oral minoxidil include effects like dizziness or unwanted body hair growth.

Ketoconazole shampoo

Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal shampoo with mild anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce DHT levels locally on the scalp. It is available Over the Counter (OTC).

While its effective mainly as a supportive treatment for other medicines like Finasteride or Dutasteride, its effects are important to maintain a healthy scalp and complement other therapies.

Side effects include potential dryness and irritation on regions of skin applied

Ketoconazole shampoo is a good choice to use in conjunction with other treatments like Finasteride or Dutasteride, especially if you have other scalp/skin conditions like psoriasis or dandruff.

Natural Finasteride alternatives

Options such as Saw Palmetto extracts and Rosemary oil which have more mild inhibition of DHT as opposed to medical alternatives. There is limited evidence of their strong effectiveness and they are best used in combination with medical therapies, especially to support scalp health.

Due to their mild potency, they also have milder side effects to medical alternatives.

These options are best for individuals looking for mild and natural solutions or those who have a very early stage of hair loss or are looking for hair maintenance.

There are many alternative treatment options to Finasteride, it’s always best to compare them for their effects, side effects, availability and strength. You may wish to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you.

Choosing the Best Finasteride Alternative for You

When choosing the best finasteride substitute UK for you, you should consider factors such as the severity of hair loss, underlying cause, tolerance for medicines and preference for natural or medical alternatives. Here’s a brief guide on how to choose the best finasteride alternative treatment for you.

Understanding your hair loss type

Hair loss can often be due to different types such as:

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) – often due to DHT overactivity in the scalp
Telogen effluvium – hair loss often due to stress, illness or dietary deficiencies]
Alopecia areata – hair loss due to autoimmune reasons

If your hair loss is due to DHT overactivity/sensitivity then treating it with either medical or natural DHT blockers would be the best course of action

Considering your priorities

Its important to consider whether you want medical options or natural ones. Whether you wish to take these medicines orally or apply them topically/

Read online (in articles such as this one) and consult your healthcare advisor about the Options that are available to you. Different medical or natural options will have different potencies and side effects, such as:
- - Dutasteride is a primarily oral medical option that also works by blocking DHT. It is more potent than Finasteride and can be used for more severe hair loss, however it has the same side effect profile as Finasteride.
  - Minoxidil is a medical option that can be applied both topically or taken orally. It can work well for both and women and is effective at countering crown thinning or diffuse hair loss
  - Natural options such as Saw Palmetto extracts, rosemary oil or pumpkin seed oil. These might not be as potent as medical alternatives but they have less side effects and are gentler on the hair. They can be effectively used alone to treat mild hair loss or to enhance the effect of other medicines when used in combinations for more severe hair loss.
  - Ketoconazole shampoo can be used as an add-on treatment to support scalp health and reduce inflammation. It will enhance the effectiveness of the other treatments being used.

Consider the severity of your hair loss and the strength of your treatment

- - Medical options like Oral Minoxidil or Dutasteride have stronger potencies and are used for more severe hair loss
  - Topical Minoxidil and natural alternatives can be used for mild to moderate hair loss
  - Usage of Natural alternatives alone are highly effective in treating early stages of hair loss or for the maintenance of good hair health

Develop a comprehensive regime

It might be best to do this by combining treatments and using your treatment of choice consistently and for long term use. Please speak to your healthcare provider about effective combinations you can use to prevent hair loss, promote regrowth and maintain good hair health.

FAQ

Are there over-the-counter options to replace Finasteride?

There are over-the-counter (OTC) options available to replace Finasteride however these are often less potent due to their reduced effectiveness at lowering DHT levels. OTC options can be put to good effect in maintaining scalp health if used alongside stronger prescription medicines like Finasteride or Dutasteride. Some of the more commonly used OTC alternatives include:

Saw Palmetto extracts

These extracts are available as capsules, tablets or topically and work by using

fatty acids and phytosterols to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and lower the production of dihydrotestosterone. Saw Palmetto extracts are moderately effective and are a good choice for individuals in early stages of hair loss.

Pumpkin seed oil

This oil is also rich in phytosterols and omega fatty acids that can help reduce DHT levels and improve scalp health respectively. Pumpkin seed oil is available as both oral supplements and topical formulations, and can provide modest benefits in men with male pattern hair loss.

Ketoconazole shampoo

This shampoo has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce DHT levels on the scalp and help keep hair follicles healthy. While its not effective on its own to replace Finasteride, it can be put to good effect as a supportive measure to enhance the impact of other therapies.

Green Tea (EGCG) Extract

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) extracts from green tea can also help reduce DHT levels by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. These extracts can be used as topical solutions or oral supplements and help allow mild improvements in hair growth and density.

Minoxidil

Topical versions of Minoxidil are available over the counter and can help increase blood flow to the scalp and increase follicle activity. Oral Minoxidil is used for more severe hair loss and does require a prescription. Minoxidil requires consistent use (at least twice daily) to see and maintain results. Discontinuing this treatment can lead to a recurrence of hair loss.

What is the role of DHT blockers as Finasteride substitutes?

How do herbal supplements compare to Finasteride?

Herbal supplements such as Pumpkin seed oil or Saw Palmetto extracts can be considered natural options for a finasteride substitute for hair growth. While they share the same mechanism of action (by lowering DHT) to treat male pattern baldness, they differ greatly in effectiveness, strength and safety profiles.

The following tables can help easily compare the action of herbal supplements to Finasteride:

Comparison of mechanism of action between herbal supplements and Finasteride

Target	Finasteride	Herbal supplements
DHT reduction	Strong inhibition of 5-alpha reductase enzyme, leading to reduced production of DHT.	Mild inhibition of 5- alpha reductase and anti-inflammatory effects
Location	Systemically (whole body) and Locally (Targets Scalp )	Primarily local targeting at the scalp
Strength	Significant reduction in DHT levels (by 70%) Clinically shown to reduce hair loss by 85% and promote regrowth by 65%	Mild to moderate reduction in DHT levels (by 30%)

Comparison of side effects between herbal supplements and Finasteride:

Aspect	Finasteride	Herbal supplements
Sexual dysfunction	1-2% of users can suffer from symptoms like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction	Rarely reported
Hormonal changes	Can alter the balance of testosterone and estrogen in the whole body	Minimal effect on hormonal balance in the whole body
Safety Profile	Requires prescription and monitoring for side effects	Generally safe with few reported adverse effects

Comparison of suitably of use between herbal supplements and Finasteride:

Condition	Finasteride	Herbal supplements
Severe Hair Loss	Highly effective treatment	Less effective when used alone but more effective when used in combination with other therapies
Mild to moderate hair loss	Effective	Well suited to be used for early stages of hair loss or maintenance of hair health
For Women	Limited use in women, and often only limited to postmenopausal women	Safe to use for both men and women

Overall Herbal supplements are less potent as compared to Finasteride, their effects are more mild and they are more optimally used for early stage hair loss or in combination with medical alternatives for enhanced effectiveness.

Are there any non-medical treatments for hair loss?

There are several Non-medical treatment options for hair loss that focus on lifestyle, physical therapies and cosmetic solutions. These therapies aim to stop hair loss, promote regrowth and reduce thinning without relying on medicines like Finasteride or Dutasteride. These treatment options include:

Lifestyle and nutritional adjustments:

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help support hair growth and overall scalp health. For good hair growth, its very important to have a diet rich in the following substances:

Biotin (Vitamin B7): Strengthens hair and nails
Iron: Prevents Hair thinning caused by anemia
Zinc: Supports follicle health
Omega 3 fatty acids: Reduces inflammation and nourishes the scalp
Proteins: Ensures adequate keratin for hair production

Stress management is also important for good hair health as chronic stress levels can lead to hair fall and loss.

Good scalp care with gentle hair care routines such as avoiding excessive tightening, heat styling or harsh treatments can also reduce hair loss and promote growth. Regular washing can also help keep the scalp clean which promotes hair growth.

Microneedling

This treatment involves the use of a dermaroller or dermapen to create tiny punctures in the scalp. It can be used in combination with medicines like Minoxidil or Finasteride as it stimulates collagen production and increased absorption of these medicines. It is effective in improving hair density when used in combination with medical treatments

Massages and scalp stimulation
Regular scalp massages can increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.

Healthy Hair cosmetics and styling techniques

You can consider using volumizing products like shampoos, conditioners and sprays to add volume and bulk to thinning hairs.

You can also consider massaging the hair with essential oils of Rosemary, peppermint or lavender to promote hair health.

While hair loss treatments without finasteride or other medical options are unlikely to combat Androgenetic Alopecia alone, they can help supplement medical therapies. They can also help to maintain good hair health and are especially effective in supporting the treatment of early hair loss.

Non medical options are more likely to be effective when used in combination with each other and with medical therapies.

For a more tailored regimen of hair health, please speak to your healthcare professional.