What are the alternatives to finasteride treatment?

Pattern hair loss develops differently from inflammatory or scarring conditions. A receding hairline or gradual thinning may fit androgen-related loss, while sudden shedding, patchy loss, scalp scale, pain, or eyebrow loss can point to another process. A scalp examination and sometimes testing help separate these possibilities.

[Topical Minoxidil](/treatments/hair-restoration/topical-minoxidil/) is applied to the scalp rather than taken as a tablet. Other options may include treatment for inflammation or an underlying trigger, but they are not interchangeable. Hair restoration procedures can redistribute available follicles after the pattern and donor supply have been assessed.

Record when shedding or thinning began, whether it is progressing, and whether close relatives have a similar pattern. Bring a list of medicines, recent illness, major stress, nutrition changes, and scalp symptoms. Do not stop or change a prescribed medicine without discussing the reason and a replacement plan.

Ask how long a trial should continue, how response will be monitored, and what happens if treatment is stopped. Read about [Male Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia/) and [Hair Loss](/symptoms/hair-loss/) when the pattern is gradual, but seek a diagnosis for abrupt or inflamed loss.

Arrange an assessment promptly for rapidly worsening loss, smooth patches, scalp pain, redness, pustules, heavy scale, or loss of eyebrows. Earlier review matters when scarring is possible because follicles affected by scarring may not regrow. Seek urgent care for hair loss with severe illness or a serious medicine reaction.

What type of hair loss do I have? Is the scalp showing inflammation or scarring? Which alternative fits my health history? What side effects should I watch for, and how will we measure progress?