Hair Loss Medication: What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Choose

When it comes to hair loss medication, drugs designed to slow or reverse thinning hair caused by genetics or hormones. Also known as anti-androgenic treatments, these are the only FDA-approved options backed by real clinical data—not just marketing. If you’re seeing more scalp than hair in the shower, you’re not alone. About 50% of men and 30% of women will notice visible thinning by age 50, and most of it comes from androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition where hair follicles shrink under the influence of DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone. This isn’t just about looks—it’s about confidence, identity, and how you feel every morning when you look in the mirror.

The two most studied hair loss medications, clinically proven to stop shedding and sometimes regrow hair. Also known as topical and oral treatments for balding, it are finasteride, an oral pill that blocks the enzyme turning testosterone into DHT. Also known as Propecia, it and minoxidil, a topical solution that wakes up dormant follicles by improving blood flow. Also known as Rogaine, it. Finasteride works best for men with crown thinning and is about 80% effective at stopping further loss. Minoxidil is the go-to for women and those who can’t take pills—it doesn’t stop DHT, but it can make hair thicker and fuller over time. You won’t see results in two weeks. It takes three to six months. And if you stop? The hair you gained usually falls out within months.

There are other options—like ketoconazole shampoos, low-level laser devices, or even off-label drugs like spironolactone for women—but none have the same level of proof. And while supplements like biotin or saw palmetto get heavy advertising, studies show they don’t reliably regrow hair. The truth? There’s no magic pill. But there are two proven tools. What you need to know is which one fits your body, your goals, and your tolerance for side effects. Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in a small number of users. Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation or unwanted facial hair. Neither is perfect. But both have helped millions keep their hair longer than they thought possible.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons between these treatments and others—what they cost, how fast they work, what the side effects really look like, and who should avoid them. No fluff. No hype. Just the facts from people who’ve been there, and the studies that back it up.