Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment available over the counter and by prescription. Prescription-strength minoxidil is 5% or greater, while over-the-counter treatment is typically 2%. Minoxidil works by prolonging the anagen phase (hair growth) and shortening the telogen phase (resting phase leading to hair loss). It also enlarges and revitalizes maturing hair follicles, helping them reenter the growth phase sooner. It is thought that minoxidil does this by increasing blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles and by raising prostaglandin (hair growth factors) levels.
Your genetic profile indicates that minoxidil can be effective for you. Minoxidil must be activated in the body by enzymes called sulfotransferases. Some genetic variations can reduce sulfotransferase activity, making minoxidil less effective or ineffective. Your profile shows enough enzyme activity for minoxidil to work, although higher doses might be needed.
Clinical trials have shown that 5% minoxidil is more effective than 2%, which explains why some men achieve better results with prescription-strength products compared to over-the-counter options. Treatment with topical minoxidil has been associated with increased hair counts, improved scalp coverage (both patient and researcher-rated), and psychological benefits related to hair loss improvement.
Topical minoxidil is generally well tolerated, and adverse effects are infrequent. Because only a small amount is absorbed systemically, side effects are usually localized, such as dermatitis, itching, irritation, or unwanted facial hair growth in men. Originally developed as a blood pressure medication, topical minoxidil typically does not affect blood pressure, pulse, or body weight. Some users experience an initial increase in hair shedding when starting treatment.
Low-dose oral minoxidil carries a risk of serious adverse effects and a black box warning due to the potential for severe pericardial effusions, increased heart rate, and worsening of ischemic heart disease. Other oral side effects may include low blood pressure, fluid retention, unwanted hair growth in other body areas, headache, insomnia, lightheadedness, and eye swelling.
Minoxidil should be applied once or twice daily as prescribed. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before evaluating effectiveness. Initial hair shedding is common as follicles transition into the growth phase, typically resolving within two months. Hair regrowth usually begins within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Because hair loss will resume after stopping treatment, minoxidil is a maintenance therapy rather than a cure.
References
Your genetic profile indicates a variant in the cRABP2 gene, which regulates the transport of vitamin A into cells. When this genetic change is present, higher vitamin A availability is needed. Tretinoin has been shown to increase cRABP2 protein expression, enhancing vitamin A availability to hair follicles.
Tretinoin has been shown to increase hair growth, the number of anagen (growing phase) hairs, hair diameter, and total hair count, especially when combined with minoxidil.
Topical tretinoin can cause redness, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, burning, pain, peeling, irritation, and dryness of the skin or scalp. Tretinoin is pregnancy category C and should not be used by individuals who are pregnant or of reproductive potential without reliable contraception.
Tretinoin should be applied once daily as prescribed by your physician. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before evaluating treatment response. Hair shedding may occur initially as hair follicles are stimulated to reenter the growth phase, but this typically subsides within two months. Hair regrowth usually begins within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Hair loss will resume if treatment is stopped due to the natural hair cycle. Tretinoin is a treatment, not a cure for hair loss.
References
Dutasteride is a prescription medication that blocks both types I and II of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.
Your genetics indicate that your 5-alpha reductase type I or type II activity is elevated, leading to increased DHT levels, which can impair hair growth.
Dutasteride has been shown to increase hair count, density, and patient satisfaction with hair growth. One study found dutasteride to be more effective than finasteride, likely because finasteride only blocks type II 5-alpha reductase, while dutasteride blocks both type I and type II. Dutasteride is approximately three times more effective at inhibiting type II and 100 times more effective at inhibiting type I 5-alpha reductase enzymes.¹ Topical dutasteride combined with microneedling has also improved hair density and patient assessments of hair growth.² Another study showed significant hair growth using a topical formulation containing dutasteride, minoxidil, and finasteride.
Oral dutasteride can cause significant side effects by lowering systemic DHT, the most active form of testosterone. This reduction may lead to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, sexual adverse effects, nipple discharge, and increased risks of prostate and male breast cancers. Dutasteride has also been associated with mental health changes, including depression, anxiety, and brain fog. Side effects usually resolve after stopping the medication but can rarely persist. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any such side effects.
Dutasteride is pregnancy category X due to the risk of birth defects in a male fetus. Women who are or may become pregnant must avoid dutasteride and use reliable contraception if treatment is necessary. Topical dutasteride reduces systemic exposure; one trial showed only slight, non-significant decreases in blood DHT levels, with no reported sexual adverse effects.
Topical dutasteride is generally well tolerated; itching at the application site has been reported.² Other potential adverse events include low blood pressure, breast tenderness/enlargement, high-grade prostate cancer, allergic reactions, and leg swelling.
Use dutasteride once or twice daily as prescribed. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before assessing treatment response. Initial hair shedding may occur as follicles reenter the growth phase, usually subsiding within two months. Hair regrowth typically begins within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Hair loss will resume within several months if treatment is stopped due to the natural hair cycle. Dutasteride is a treatment, not a cure for hair loss.
References
Latanoprost is a prescription treatment that functions similarly to the hair growth factor prostaglandin F2α.
Your genetic profile indicates that the function of the prostaglandin F2α receptors could benefit from stimulation by latanoprost to improve hair growth. The PTGFR-1 receptors are the three prostaglandin F2α receptors measured in the Nimbus Hair DNA Test.
Topical treatment with latanoprost at concentrations of 0.05% to 0.1% has been shown to increase hair thickness, length, and pigmentation. Latanoprost is believed to promote recruitment of hairs into, and maintenance of, the growth (anagen) phase.
Topical latanoprost is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include redness at the application site, skin pigmentation changes, burning, and hair follicle irritation.¹ ³ Systemic absorption from topical skin application is unknown, but data from ophthalmic (eye) administration show minimal systemic absorption with rapid blood clearance. Many patients using latanoprost chronically for glaucoma have undetectable blood levels.
Latanoprost should be applied once or twice daily as prescribed by your physician. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before assessing treatment response. Initial hair shedding may occur as follicles are stimulated to re-enter the growth phase, but this usually subsides within two months. Hair growth generally appears within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Hair loss will resume over several months if treatment is discontinued due to the natural hair growth cycle. Latanoprost is a treatment, not a cure, for hair loss.
References
Spironolactone is a prescription medication that primarily acts as an androgen receptor blocker. By blocking androgen receptors, it prevents dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone from binding to these receptors in hair follicles, reducing the effects of these hormones that contribute to hair loss. It does not directly prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but reduces the impact of androgens on hair follicles which helps inhibit hair thinning and follicle shrinkage.
Your genetic testing indicates increased activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme (likely encoded by SRD5A genes), which converts testosterone into DHT, a potent androgen that promotes hair loss. By blocking androgen receptors, spironolactone reduces the action of DHT on hair follicles and encourages hair growth.
Clinical studies using topical spironolactone in concentrations of 1% to 5% have demonstrated improvements in hair diameter, growth, and density
Topical spironolactone is generally well tolerated and appears to have minimal systemic absorption, thus rarely affecting systemic testosterone or DHT levels.³ Some patients have reported contact dermatitis characterized by itching, burning, and scaling.⁴ Compared to oral spironolactone, topical therapy significantly reduces the risk of systemic side effects.
Oral spironolactone can cause low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, dizziness or fainting, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness or enlargement in women, and gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) in men.
Spironolactone should be applied or taken once or twice daily as directed by your physician. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before assessing treatment response. Initial hair shedding may occur as hair follicles are stimulated to re-enter the growth phase, usually subsiding within two months. Hair growth often becomes noticeable between four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. Discontinuing treatment will result in gradual hair loss over several months, due to the natural hair cycle. Spironolactone is a treatment, not a cure for hair loss.
References
Ketoconazole is a prescription antifungal treatment that also has properties affecting hair loss. It inhibits testosterone synthesis, which reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Additionally, ketoconazole has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which decreases the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.
Your genetic testing indicated that your 5-alpha reductase type I and/or type II enzymes are more active than usual. This leads to increased DHT levels, which negatively affect hair follicle health. Ketoconazole reduces DHT production by decreasing testosterone availability for conversion by these enzymes. It is also used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp condition characterized by itching and flaking, which can contribute to hair loss. This condition is often associated with the yeast Malassezia, which promotes inflammation and hair shedding. Ketoconazole’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties help address this.
Topical 2% ketoconazole treatment has been associated with improved hair growth, increased hair density, and a higher proportion of hair in the anagen (growth) phase.
Topical ketoconazole is generally well tolerated, with rare adverse effects. Reported side effects include itching, stinging, allergic reactions, and local irritation.
Ketoconazole should be used once or twice daily as prescribed. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before evaluating treatment effectiveness. Initial hair shedding may occur as hair follicles are stimulated to re-enter the growth phase, but this typically subsides within two months. Noticeable hair growth usually begins within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. If treatment is stopped, hair loss typically recurs over several months due to the natural hair cycle. Ketoconazole is a treatment, not a cure for hair loss.
References
Caffeine is widely consumed in modern society, known for providing a cognitive boost and increased alertness. Additionally, caffeine exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.¹ It has also been shown to improve blood vessel function.² Caffeine directly stimulates cellular metabolism by increasing energy availability through the mobilization of fat from fat stores.³ These mechanisms are thought to contribute to caffeine’s positive effects on hair growth.
Your genetic profile suggests that increasing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) might benefit your hair regrowth. Topical caffeine application has been shown to increase IGF-1 levels and improve hair growth.
Caffeine has been studied in androgenic alopecia in men and women, including women with telogen effluvium. These studies demonstrated that caffeine helps strengthen hair, reduce hair shedding, and slow the progression of balding. A 2017 study comparing a 0.2% topical caffeine solution with 5% minoxidil found similar hair growth results between the two treatments.
Systemic absorption of topical caffeine is low. Studies using concentrated topical caffeine solutions showed minimal blood levels, significantly lower than those following coffee consumption. Topical caffeine is generally well tolerated with few reported adverse effects.
Topical caffeine should be applied once or twice daily as prescribed. Consistent use for at least four months is recommended before assessing treatment response. Initial hair shedding may occur as follicles are stimulated to re-enter the growth phase, usually subsiding within two months. Noticeable hair growth typically begins within four to eight months and stabilizes over 12 to 18 months. If treatment is discontinued, hair loss may recur over several months due to the hair growth cycle. Topical caffeine is a treatment, not a cure for hair loss.
References
Corticosteroids, often called steroids, are a class of prescription (and sometimes over-the-counter) medications used to treat conditions involving an overactive immune system. They work by decreasing the release of several pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Topical steroids are considered first-line therapy for patchy, limited hair loss due to alopecia areata. Your genetic profile indicates that your GR-alpha gene is normal. This gene encodes the glucocorticoid receptor; abnormalities can make steroid therapy less effective. In such cases, higher doses may be required, which increases the risk of side effects.
High-potency topical corticosteroids have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials for alopecia areata. For example, a trial of 70 patients using 0.25% desoximetasone cream showed 58% achieved full hair regrowth after 12 weeks.¹ Another 12-week trial comparing betamethasone, triamcinolone injections, and tacrolimus found over 75% of patients treated with betamethasone experienced hair regrowth.
Adverse effects are more common with prolonged use and higher potency steroids. These include local skin atrophy, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, acne, redness, burning, stretch marks, telangiectasias, swelling, itching, pain, skin infections, and rarely, adrenal suppression.
Treatment duration is individualized based on response. Generally, therapy is tapered within three to six months after starting. If there is no response within three months, an alternative treatment should be considered.
References
Collagen refers to a family of proteins that are crucial components of skin, connective tissue, bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, hair, and nails. The collagen protein is structured like intertwined ropes, giving strength and flexibility to many structures in the body.
Your genetics identified a change in the COL1A1 gene, which regulates collagen production. This genetic variation means your body produces less collagen than usual, which can affect the health of your skin and hair. Oral collagen supplementation has been shown to improve collagen-related outcomes in the body. One clinical study showed a supplement containing collagen improved hair growth, quality, volume, and thickness. Collagen peptides have been found to positively affect hair thickness. Additional research shows collagen supplementation may improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance.
Animal proteins such as chicken, fish, and beef are rich in collagen. Bone broth is also a good source. Plant-based foods don't contain collagen but provide essential cofactors like vitamin C and vitamin A that support collagen synthesis. These include berries, garlic, leafy greens, tomatoes, citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Collagen levels naturally decline with age. Malnutrition, especially protein deficiency, can cause collagen shortages. Genetic diseases affecting collagen production or metabolism also impact levels. External factors, such as smoking, UV damage, stress, and excessive sugar consumption, can further reduce collagen.
Symptoms can include joint pain and stiffness, impaired skin integrity, dry skin, brittle nails, and wrinkles.
Collagen helps maintain skin structure and retain moisture, keeping the skin firm, smooth, and resilient. Proline, a major component of collagen, is also essential for keratin, which makes up about 95% of hair. The dermis, the middle layer of the skin, is composed of roughly 70% collagen and serves as the anchor point for hair follicles. During the anagen (growth) phase, collagen thickens around the follicles to support healthy hair growth and maintenance.
Oral collagen supplementation is generally well tolerated. Some clinical trials reported mild side effects like stomach upset, dyspepsia, or lingering aftertaste in a few participants.⁷
References
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin existing in several forms, including retinol, retinoic acid, and retinal. All-trans retinol is the most active form and is present in animal-based foods. Carotenoids, found mainly in plants, are provitamins that the body converts into retinol. Approximately 50% of the vitamin A consumed in the U.S. comes from plant carotenoids.
Your genetic profile indicates a variation in the CRABP2 gene, which regulates vitamin A transport into cells. This may require higher vitamin A levels. Retinol stimulates collagen production and increases insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which supports hair growth.
Animal sources rich in retinol include eggs, milk, butter, fish, liver, and other animal proteins. Plant sources of carotenoids include kale, spinach, squash, avocado, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Deficiency may result from malnutrition, liver disease, malabsorption disorders, and pancreatic insufficiency.
Symptoms include night blindness, vision loss, increased susceptibility to infections, impaired immunity, dry skin, acne, and poor wound healing.
Vitamin A is essential for vision, cell growth and differentiation, immune function, bone development, skin integrity, cholesterol and steroid metabolism, and neural signaling.
Vitamin A is generally safe up to 10,000 IU daily. Higher doses can cause hair loss, liver toxicity, nausea, vomiting, skin redness, hyperpigmentation, peeling, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma or death.⁷
References
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid used in protein synthesis. Conditionally essential means the body can usually produce enough for normal function but requires more from the diet during stress or injury.
Your genetic testing revealed a variation in the ACE gene that leads to increased ACE-II, which promotes blood vessel constriction.¹² Poor blood flow is linked to alopecia. Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Topical products with 2–6% arginine have been studied to enhance scalp circulation.
Arginine is abundant in animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy.
Deficiencies are rare but can occur during severe illness, calorie restriction, or rare genetic disorders that impair arginine metabolism or absorption. Conditions like sickle cell disease, malaria, cystic fibrosis, and post-liver transplant status have been linked to lower arginine levels.
Possible symptoms include increased blood pressure and heightened susceptibility to infections.
Arginine is a key regulator of blood flow as the precursor to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and modulates hormone regulation.
Topical arginine is well tolerated with no reported adverse events. Oral arginine supplements may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, and flushing in some people.⁵
References
Melatonin is a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain, and it is also synthesized in the skin.
Your genetic testing and questionnaire suggest you may benefit from melatonin therapy. Melatonin can decrease androgen receptor activity, thereby reducing the impact of DHT on hair follicles, which may improve hair growth and retention. It also inhibits aromatase, reducing conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Clinical studies show melatonin improves hair density, hair counts, hair texture, and decreases hair loss, as well as reducing inflammation and oil production in seborrheic dermatitis.
Melatonin is found in various foods, including eggs, fish, grains (wheat, barley, oats), black rice, grapes, strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, peppers, pistachios, mustard seeds, and mushrooms. Oral melatonin supplements have variable absorption, but consuming melatonin-rich foods can increase circulating melatonin levels.
Melatonin deficiency may be associated with diabetes, fibromyalgia, migraines, critical illness, and shift work sleep disorder. Genetic factors and aging also influence melatonin production.
Symptoms linked to melatonin deficiency include chronic insomnia, depression, impaired memory and learning, increased inflammation, recurrent infections, premature aging, increased visceral fat, elevated blood sugars, and hair loss.
Melatonin primarily regulates the circadian rhythm, controlling sleep-wake cycles. It also acts as an antioxidant, modulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, slows aging, exhibits anti-cancer properties, and regulates blood sugar, lipid metabolism, mood, and body temperature. Melatonin receptors are present in skin, where it protects skin cells, influences skin aging, supports skin cell and hair follicle growth, and promotes hair follicles entering the anagen (growth) phase.
Topical melatonin is generally well tolerated. Minimal systemic absorption occurs with no significant impact on vital signs or cognitive function in clinical trials. Some patients reported mild, temporary redness, itching, or burning at the application site, but no one discontinued treatment due to these effects, and no systemic side effects were observed.¹
D-Panthenol is a provitamin that the body converts into vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. Provitamins are compounds that require activation by the body to become the usable form of a vitamin.
Your questionnaire answers and genetic testing indicate you may benefit from D-panthenol therapy. Vitamin B5 plays a key role in forming coenzyme A, which is essential for synthesizing fatty acids that contribute to the skin’s natural lubricants. Topical preparations containing 1–5% D-panthenol have been shown to improve skin moisturization, enhance collagen production, strengthen skin barrier function, reduce dryness and irritation, prevent early hair greying, aid in restoring normal hair color, and support healthy hair growth.
Dietary sources rich in vitamin B5 include broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, nuts, chicken, legumes, and cabbage.
Vitamin B5 deficiency is very rare. A rare genetic disorder called pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is linked to impaired vitamin B5 metabolism.
Symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency may include fatigue, insomnia, depression, burning sensations in the feet, vomiting, and frequent upper respiratory infections.
Vitamin B5 is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as the production of red blood cells, sex hormones, and stress hormones. It also contributes to maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Topical D-panthenol is generally well tolerated. Rarely, itching, dermatitis, burning, or eczema have been reported with topical use.⁴
References
Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is an essential water-soluble B vitamin.
Your genetic testing revealed a variation in the biotinidase enzyme, which plays a key role in freeing biotin from the proteins it's bound to in food.¹ In individuals with a deficiency or impaired biotin metabolism, biotin supplementation has been linked to improvements in hair loss.
Biotin is found in egg yolks, legumes, liver, nuts, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, avocados, broccoli, and bananas.
Biotin deficiencies can be associated with pregnancy, bariatric surgery, malabsorption disorders, certain genetic conditions, and diabetes.
Biotin deficiency may cause fatigue, hair loss, hair color changes, red scaly facial rashes, depression, and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
Biotin acts as a coenzyme for enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Biotin is generally well tolerated when taken orally. One study of patients taking high-dose biotin reported a few participants experiencing mild diarrhea.⁶
Zinc is a mineral found in the earth that is an essential nutrient for animals and plants, including humans. It is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body after iron. The average adult has between 1.5 g and 2.5 g of zinc in their body.¹ Since the body does not store zinc in large amounts, it must be consumed regularly through food.
Zinc plays an important role in hair growth and immune function. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation can improve outcomes in patients with alopecia areata who have low serum zinc levels, and that zinc deficiency may be associated with poor treatment response.
Zinc is most abundant in animal sources such as beef, poultry, and fish. These provide up to 186% more bioavailable zinc than plant-based sources.¹ This is because plant sources often contain phytates and other compounds that reduce zinc absorption.
Zinc deficiency is common in individuals who follow vegetarian or heavily plant-based diets. Other contributing factors include excess intake of iron or copper (which compete with zinc for absorption), certain medications (including ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and antacids), chronic diarrhea, excessive alcohol intake, bariatric surgery, and genetic conditions.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency may include alopecia, diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, nail discoloration or distortion, low testosterone, and decreased immunity.
Zinc is essential for many biological functions. It serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Zinc supports the immune system, hair growth, protein metabolism, red blood cell (heme) synthesis, DNA replication, gene expression (about 30% of zinc is located in the nucleus), growth and development, reproductive hormone production, digestion, antioxidant activity, detoxification, vitamin A transport, nerve signaling, carbohydrate metabolism through insulin signaling, inflammation regulation, lipid balance, and bone health.
Zinc is generally well tolerated at doses below 40 mg per day. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a metallic taste.⁶
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Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is the purified, active form of cetirizine, meaning cetirizine contains 50% levocetirizine and 50% inactive enantiomer. Levocetirizine is more selective and potent at the H1 receptor. Research suggests that cetirizine and levocetirizine may reduce levels of prostaglandin D2 and increase levels of prostaglandin E2. Prostaglandin E2 promotes hair growth, while prostaglandin D2 inhibits it.
Your genetic profile indicates you have normal activity of the prostaglandin D2 receptor, which can promote hair loss. Inhibiting prostaglandin D2 while supporting prostaglandin E2 may shift the balance in favor of hair growth.
Topical 1% cetirizine has been evaluated in clinical studies for alopecia. These studies found improvements in hair density, hair shaft diameter, and self-reported symptom severity.¹⁻³ While studies on topical levocetirizine are limited, it is expected to have similar or greater benefit due to its higher potency.
Topical cetirizine has been well tolerated in clinical trials. No adverse effects were reported in one study. However, like any topical treatment, localized reactions such as redness, irritation, rash, or hives may occur.
Continuous use for four months is recommended before evaluating response. Some hair shedding may occur at the start of treatment as follicles reenter the growth phase, but this often subsides within two months. Visible hair growth typically begins within four to eight months and stabilizes by 12 to 18 months. Because hair growth is cyclical, discontinuing treatment will likely result in gradual hair loss. Cetirizine and levocetirizine are not cures for hair loss. They are treatments that must be maintained for continued effect.
References
Finasteride is a prescription medication that blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenic alopecia.
Your genetics indicate that your 5-alpha reductase type II activity is elevated, leading to increased DHT levels, which negatively impact hair growth.
Oral finasteride is FDA-approved to treat androgenetic alopecia. Clinical trials have demonstrated that finasteride effectively increases hair count and density compared to placebo, while placebo groups often experienced worsening hair loss. Patients also reported improvements in hair appearance.
Oral finasteride can cause side effects due to systemic reduction of DHT, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, sexual adverse events, nipple discharge, and rare risks such as prostate and male breast cancer. Mental health effects like depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties have also been reported. Side effects typically resolve after stopping the medication but may rarely persist. Women who are or may become pregnant must avoid finasteride due to risk of birth defects in a male fetus (Category X). Reliable contraception is essential when using finasteride. Topical finasteride reduces systemic exposure and risk of side effects. One study comparing 1% topical finasteride with 1 mg oral finasteride found no difference in effectiveness.³ At Nimbus, we prefer topical finasteride or low-dose oral finasteride to balance efficacy with safety.
Finasteride should be used daily as prescribed. Continuous use for at least four months is recommended before assessing treatment response. Initial hair shedding can occur as follicles re-enter the growth phase but typically resolves within two months. Visible hair regrowth usually appears within four to eight months and stabilizes by 12 to 18 months. If treatment is stopped, hair loss typically resumes over several months due to the hair growth cycle. Finasteride is a treatment, not a cure, and requires ongoing use for maintained effect.
References
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Corticosteroids inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
