Why is it necessary to use minoxidil in addition to a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor to treat MPB?
A. Simply stated, it’s much more effective. Minoxidil solutions alone, even in 5% concentrations, have a disappointing result in reversing MPB. Likewise, even virtually eliminating testosterone and DHT in the body doesn’t have much positive effect in regrowth of scalp hair. For example, men who are castrated will invariably halt the progress of MPB, but very few will regrow their hair. However, when the modalities of topical minoxidil with an anti-androgen are combined and used as treatment, the results are very impressive indeed. About 70% of patients report significant regrowth of hair and an additional 13% report a halt to the balding process blue_top.gif (787 oCg) .
A. The combination is more effective than either medication used alone. Minoxidil solutions alone, even in 5% concentrations, have a disappointing result in reversing MPB. Likewise, even virtually eliminating testosterone and DHT in the body doesn’t have much positive effect in regrowth of scalp hair. For example, men who are castrated will invariably halt the progress of MPB, but very few will regrow their hair. However, when the modalities of topical minoxidil with an anti-androgen are combined, the improvement in results is significant. About 70% of patients report regrowth of hair and an additional 13% report a halt to the balding process.
