What are the best FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments for male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)?

From the Guidelines

The most effective treatment for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a combination of finasteride and minoxidil, with the addition of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a complementary therapy, as supported by recent studies 1.

Treatment Options

• Oral finasteride 1mg daily is the most effective FDA-approved option, working by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for hair follicle miniaturization.
• Topical minoxidil 5% solution or foam applied twice daily is another effective treatment that works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp.
• PRF or PRP can be used as a complementary treatment, with studies showing that PRF is a safe, easy, time and cost-effective adjuvant modality for managing androgenetic alopecia 1.

Key Considerations

• Combination therapy with finasteride and minoxidil often yields better results than either alone.
• Potential side effects of finasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression in a small percentage of men, while minoxidil may cause scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth elsewhere.
• Low-level laser therapy devices are also FDA-approved and can be used as a complementary treatment.
• For optimal results, treatment should begin as soon as hair loss is noticed, as these medications are better at maintaining existing hair than regrowing lost hair.

Recent Study Findings

• A study published in 2025 found that PRF increased hair density and improved hair morphology in patients with androgenetic alopecia 1.
• Another study published in 2025 found that PRP combined with minoxidil was more effective than minoxidil alone in treating androgenetic alopecia 1.
• A review of 30 articles on the use of PRP for androgenetic alopecia found that the optimal number of PRP treatments, interval between treatment, and amount of PRP injected per treatment still need to be assessed 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is a clear, light amber liquid medication containing 5% minoxidil for use only on the scalp to help regrow hair in men. Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for use only by men Minoxidil topical solution 5% may be appropriate for you if you are a male at least 18 years old and experiencing gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp (vertex only, as shown). Clinically proven to help regrow hair. Reactivates hair follicles to stimulate regrowth. Provides more hair regrowth than minoxidil topical solution 2%.

The best FDA-approved, evidence-based treatment for male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is minoxidil topical solution 5%. It is clinically proven to help regrow hair and is suitable for men with gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp. Results may be seen as early as 2 months with twice daily use, but it may take at least 4 months for results to be seen 2.

From the Research

FDA-Approved Treatments for Male Pattern Hair Loss

The following are FDA-approved treatments for male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia):

• Minoxidil: a topical solution applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss 3
• Finasteride: an oral medication that inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss 4, 5

Efficacy of Treatments

Studies have shown that:

• Finasteride is effective in promoting hair growth and slowing down hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia 5, 6
• Minoxidil is also effective in promoting hair growth and slowing down hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia 3, 6
• Combination therapy of minoxidil and finasteride may be more effective than monotherapy 6
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy combined with minoxidil may also be an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia 7

Safety and Side Effects

Common side effects of finasteride include:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Neuropsychiatric side effects
• Increased risk of prostate cancer 4, 5 Common side effects of minoxidil include:
• Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
• Cardiovascular system symptoms/signs
• Irritation of the scalp 4, 6

Comparison of Treatments

A study comparing the efficacy of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia found that:

• Dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride in promoting hair growth and slowing down hair loss 4
• Minoxidil may be less effective than finasteride and dutasteride, but still a viable treatment option 4