Propecia and Rogaine (minoxidil), which one better

Propecia vs Rogaine , Propecia or Rogaine is many people's question if he really need to choose either one. I found some article that said, perhaps you should choose Propecia over Rogaine.
http://www.regrowhair.com/non-surgical-hair-loss-treatments/propecia-verses-rogaine/

Propecia (finasteride) is a pill that is taken orally in the dosage of 1mg of finasteride. It works to inhibit Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss.

Rogaine (minoxodil) is a topical formula applied to the balding area in the recommended dosage 1ml applied twice daily. Rogaine works by stimulating the hair follicle which may increase the hair shaft diameter and elongate the anagen (growing) phase - thus regrowing hair. Rogaine however, does nothing to stop genetic hair loss as it does nothing to inhibit DHT.

Taking both Propecia and Rogaine together are said to have a synergistic effect, thus being the best fighting force against hair loss when taken together. However, if one were going to choose one over the other - because Propecia inhibits DHT, it has a better chance of stopping hair loss than Rogaine that simply stimulates hair growth.

Of course, I recommend researching any hair loss medication and learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations before ordering it. I also recommend consulting with a medical doctor.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Propecia_or_Rogaine_better

Any medicine which is developed for use in America has to go through laboratory tests and clinical trials; after which it has to be approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) before it can be available to the public.

In America, the FDA has approved only two drugs, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) for use in hair loss. Men can use both the drugs but women can only use Rogaine and not Propecia. If you are not American, you should find out under which brand name these drugs are available locally.

• Propecia is available as a pill and has to be taken once a day with or without food. Propecia works by decreasing the enzyme activity that results in the formation of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is primarily responsible for male and female pattern baldness. By blocking the conversion of hormones into DHT it helps to maintain the existing hair as well as in assisting re-growth of thinning hair follicles. In male pattern baldness, during each cycle of hair growth, the hair becomes thinner and finer till it stops growing altogether. Propecia helps by making these thin strands thicker.

• Rogaine is a solution of which ten drops need to be applied on the scalp twice a day. Although the exact action of Rogaine is unclear, researchers believe that it primarily prevents hair from thinning but in some patients can also increase the protein blocks which in turn make the hair follicles sprout new hair. When Rogaine is applied where there are hair follicles, it works as a hypertrichotic agent that can actually promote hair growth.

For either of these drugs to work they need to be taken for long periods. Propecia has to be taken for at least 6-8 months after which if you see any difference in hair loss, you will naturally want to continue it. Rogaine has to be taken indefinitely as we keep getting new hair follicles which need to continually be treated with the drug.

For women there is no question of which is better as Propecia is not approved for their use.

For men, studies and clinical trials seem to suggest that Propecia is a better alternative than Rogaine. Rogaine has proved to be more useful in holding on to existing hair whereas Propecia does help in also promoting new hair growth. Even though this may be the case, each medicine has its own benefits and you may benefit more from one than the other. So really it boils down to being a personal choice and what works best for you.